ISLAMABAD — Pakistan’s government has announced a policy decision to permanently bar protest marches from entering the federal capital, escalating a standoff with the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf ahead of its planned September 27 demonstration.
Rana Sanaullah, the Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs and a senior leader of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, said no one would be permitted to enter Islamabad for the purpose of staging a protest.
Warning to PTI Over ‘May 9 Facilities’
Sanaullah said the government had conveyed a message to PTI that if force were used, the facilities the party had received after the events of May 9 would be withdrawn. He also reiterated the government’s position that formal talks could not proceed unless PTI postponed its planned march.
Authorities have previously stated that protesters would not be allowed to enter Islamabad if their activities involved disruption or violence.
Tarar Challenges PTI as Long March Suspended
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar responded to PTI’s decision to suspend its long march by saying the party was backing away from both the march and sit-ins.
Tarar challenged PTI to proceed with the march and alleged that facilitating terrorists formed part of the party’s policy. He further alleged that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government was facilitating the Afghan Taliban and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan.
The information minister accused PTI of acting as a “B team” of the TTP and a “C team” of the Afghan Taliban. He also criticised Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, saying he appeared more like a commander of a banned organisation than a chief minister.
Funding Allegations and Public Order Concerns
Tarar alleged that illegal mining was being used to fund terrorists and questioned PTI’s claim to be a political party.
He said the administration was responsible for maintaining public order and keeping roads open, underscoring the government’s stated position that disruptive or violent groups would not be allowed to reach the federal capital.
Standoff Over Imran Khan’s Release
The remarks come amid preparations surrounding PTI’s planned protest and march towards Islamabad. The party has been seeking the release of its founder, Imran Khan.
The government has maintained a hard line on marches reaching the capital, while PTI has pressed its demand for Khan’s release — a confrontation that continues to shape Pakistan’s volatile political landscape.
