Muhammad Amanullah
Date: September 22, 2026 The True Post (Web News) —Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar has said the government will not allow any group to disrupt law and order in Islamabad as the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) prepares for a nationwide protest and march towards the federal capital on September 27.
Speaking to the media, Tarar said the government had a responsibility to protect citizens, maintain public order and ensure that normal activities in Islamabad were not disrupted. He said authorities would take measures in accordance with the law if protesters attempted to block roads or create a law-and-order situation. (Dawn)
Government Takes Firm Position on Islamabad Protest
Tarar said the government would not allow what he described as a violent group to enter Islamabad or interfere with public movement.
He also questioned PTI’s record of peaceful demonstrations, saying he could not recall a recent PTI protest that had remained peaceful. He referred to incidents in previous demonstrations in which, according to his account, security personnel were killed and public or state property was damaged. These were statements made by the federal minister in the context of the government’s preparations for the September 27 protest. (Dawn)
The minister said the administration, police and federal government were prepared to maintain law and order and keep roads open for ordinary citizens.
Islamabad High Court Ruling Cited by Government
Tarar also referred to an Islamabad High Court ruling concerning disruption of public movement and the closure of roads.
According to the minister, the ruling places restrictions on actions that obstruct public movement, and the administration is responsible for ensuring that roads and public routes remain accessible.
The government’s position is that any protest must be conducted within the legal framework and should not interfere with the daily lives, businesses and movement of residents in the capital. (Dawn)
PTI Plans September 27 Protest
The PTI has announced a nationwide protest and march towards Islamabad for September 27. The party has linked the protest to the continued imprisonment of its founder and former prime minister Imran Khan and has described its mobilisation as a political and constitutional activity.
The planned protest has already increased political tensions between the government and PTI. Authorities have taken security measures in anticipation of the planned mobilisation, while PTI leaders have continued to call on supporters to participate. (Aaj English TV)
The government, meanwhile, has repeatedly warned that protesters will not be permitted to block major roads or create a situation that threatens public order.
Detention of Imran Khan’s Sisters
Tarar also commented on the detention of Imran Khan’s sisters amid the political tensions surrounding the planned protest.
Three of Khan’s sisters — Aleema Khan, Uzma Khan and Noreen Niazi — have been detained in Lahore under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) law ahead of the September 27 protest.
Aleema Khan was detained on September 20 after the Lahore district administration issued a 30-day detention order, citing concerns about public safety. Uzma Khan and Noreen Niazi were subsequently detained for 30 days under Section 3 of the MPO on grounds relating to a potential threat to public order. (Reuters)
Tarar said the government had information suggesting that Khan’s sisters could become involved in activities that might affect law and order. The government’s position is that maintaining public safety is its responsibility.
PTI, however, has criticised the detentions, describing them as violations of fundamental rights and political victimisation. The party has called for an end to political confrontation. (Dawn)
Government Questions PTI’s Decision-Making
The information minister also questioned who has the authority to make final decisions within PTI, particularly in relation to possible talks with the government.
Tarar questioned whom the government should negotiate with if the party’s leadership and decision-making structure were not clearly defined. He also criticised PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, arguing that some individuals speaking about negotiations may not have the authority to make final decisions for the party.
These comments reflect the government’s stated reservations about engaging in negotiations while PTI’s internal positions on the protest and dialogue remain contested.
Government and PTI Positions Remain Apart
The government and PTI continue to hold different positions over the September 27 mobilisation.
The government says it has a legal and administrative responsibility to maintain public order, keep roads open and prevent violence or disruption in Islamabad. PTI, on the other hand, says its planned protest is a political and constitutional right and has continued preparations for the mobilisation. (Dawn)
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has separately warned PTI against proceeding with the march and said the government would respond if the party went ahead with its plans. (Dawn)
With the protest date approaching, the detention of PTI-linked figures and the government’s preparations have added to political tensions surrounding the planned demonstration.
Both sides remain publicly committed to their respective positions, while the authorities have indicated that maintaining law and order and ensuring the continued movement of citizens will be central to their response.
