According to Dawn, Pakistan's Prime Minister Adviser on Political Affairs, Rana Sanaullah, stated that while peaceful demonstration is a constitutional and legal right, political marches and protests must no longer be held in Islamabad. Speaking on a television broadcast, Sanaullah urged political entities to conduct demonstrations in alternative locations such as Faisalabad, Karachi, Peshawar, Hyderabad, or Multan.
What happened
The adviser emphasized that demonstrations in the federal capital present a risk to security and project a negative image due to the presence of foreign diplomats, according to Dawn. The comments come amidst heightened security preparations across the capital and Punjab, despite recent delays in planned political demonstrations by opposition parties.
Key facts
- Protest postponements: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) delayed its planned march to Islamabad until October 4. The party is seeking the release of its founder, Imran Khan, who has been detained in Adiala jail since his conviction on August 5, 2023. Jamaat-i-Islami also postponed its march against a petroleum levy following a request from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
- Legal framework and rulings: Unapproved public gatherings in the capital are prohibited under the Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Act 2024. Additionally, the Islamabad High Court ruled on September 14 that no political group possesses the lawful right to occupy public highways, roads, or buildings in Islamabad.
- Government stance on security: Sanaullah stated that PTI failed to apply for administrative permission or provide legal guarantees to the court. He accused the party of seeking to destabilize the government and forcefully access Adiala jail, warning that entry toward D-Chowk would be restricted.
- Traffic and containment: The adviser refuted claims describing Islamabad as a "container city," clarifying that placed shipping containers have not closed general traffic roads beyond the Red Zone and M-1 Motorway.
- Enforced restrictions: Section 144 restrictions are active in Islamabad for two months, while Punjab banned public gatherings until October 5. The federal government also approved paramilitary Rangers deployment from September 20 to October 5.
Why it matters
According to Dawn, the official policy aims to establish strict limits on political assemblies in the capital to secure diplomatic zones, protect public infrastructure, and enforce compliance with recent court orders regarding public road blockades.
Source: Dawn - Home · Published September 26, 2026