Twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi are gearing up for busy and potentially disruptive week as four separate protest and long-march calls have been announced between September 20 and September 27.
September Protests
‼️ 🇵🇰 When you see a long queue of shipping containers in #Pakistan; do not view it as country's exports. It is a road block 🚧.
These are confiscated containers; several loaded with precious goods and even medicines that are being illegally used to set up a steel barricade to… pic.twitter.com/DHJD1xxa2R
— Shafek Koreshe (@shafeKoreshe) September 17, 2026
The planned marches and protests include demonstrations by Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), the Azad Kashmir Action Committee, farmers’ organisations and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). The protest calls prompted Islamabad/Pundi authorities to make strict security arrangements. Police leave were cancelled, and hospitals have been placed on emergency arrangements and additional security personnel, including Rangers and Army personnel, have been deployed.
Jamaat-e-Islami — September 20
Jamaat-e-Islami announced major march toward Islamabad to protest against Petroleum levy, fuel costs, inflation and the prices of basic commodities including sugar and wheat. Hafiz Naeem led party said its supporters will reach capital from four directions and has indicated that its sit-in could continue for an extended period, potentially up to a month, if its demands are not met.
A key issue raised by JI is the petroleum levy, which the party has criticised as contributing to the high cost of petrol.
Azad Kashmir Action Committee — September 22
Days later, Azad Kashmir Action Committee and Kashmiri protesters are scheduled to march from Azad Kashmir toward Islamabad.
Farmers’ organisations — September 25:
Farmers Association announced separate long march for September 25. The government is reportedly negotiating with representatives of the farmers in an effort to persuade them to withdraw or postpone the planned mobilisation.
PTI September 27 March
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf announced major protest in Islamabad, with the release of former prime minister Imran Khan among its demands. The party has also announced support for JI’s planned sit-ins.
Islamabad Security arrangements
The administration is preparing for possible attempts to enter sensitive areas of the capital and for disruptions to major roads.
Reports suggest that authorities arranged hundreds of shipping containers, with estimates ranging from 400 to as many as 1,000. Around 600 containers are reportedly already in Islamabad, while preparations are being made to increase that number.
Which areas could face restrictions?
The most sensitive locations are expected to include D-Chowk and the Red Zone, where major political demonstrations have traditionally been concentrated. Other key approaches include Faizabad, Tarnol and Sangjani, as well as roads connecting Islamabad with Rawalpindi and the motorway network.
D-Chowk is hotspot as it sits close to Parliament, the Presidency, the Prime Minister’s Office and other key government buildings. Faizabad is equally important for commuters because it is one of the principal links between Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Any restrictions there could quickly push traffic onto already busy surrounding roads.
Security preparations have moved beyond the Red Zone, with containers reportedly being positioned at several northern and northwestern approaches. Reports indicate containers have been placed around 26 Number Chowk, a key entry point from the motorway toward Kashmir Highway. Similar measures have reportedly been taken along GT Road, near the police checkpoint leading toward G-14, at Islamabad Chowk in G-13, and near Golra Mor.
These measures could affect motorists before they even reach central Islamabad. The administration’s strategy appears aimed at controlling access points rather than relying exclusively on barricades around the final protest venue.
Alternative routes
A final traffic-diversion map for the September marches has not yet been publicly released. Motorists should therefore treat alternative routes as possible options rather than confirmed September diversions. Previous Islamabad traffic plans provide some indication of roads that could carry diverted traffic.
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For commuters affected around the Red Zone and D-Chowk, roads such as Margalla Road, Jinnah Avenue and Seventh Avenue have previously featured in diversion arrangements. Recent Islamabad traffic advisories have also used Embassy Road and Seventh Avenue via Srinagar Highway as alternative corridors during temporary restrictions.
For traffic affected around Faizabad, possible pressure points include IJP Road, Ninth Avenue, Srinagar Highway and the Islamabad Expressway. IJP Road is particularly significant because it connects the Rawalpindi side with Faizabad and carries traffic between the twin cities.
The containers are expected to be used around sensitive locations and major access routes, including D-Chowk, the Red Zone, Faizabad, Tarnol and Sangjani, as well as important entry and exit points.
The reported rental cost is around Rs20,000 per container per day. A previous security operation of a similar nature reportedly cost approximately Rs170 million.
More than 3,000 police, Rangers and Anti-Riot Force personnel are expected to be involved in security duties. Authorities have also reportedly requisitioned crowd-control equipment, including tear gas and rubber bullets.
Police in Rawalpindi reportedly issued detention orders concerning 30 PTI activists, while Islamabad police are collecting information about party workers ahead of the September 27 protest.
With several large gatherings expected within a short period, hospitals in the twin cities have reportedly been instructed to maintain emergency arrangements. Police and other security personnel have also been placed on heightened alert, with leaves cancelled to ensure sufficient manpower during the protest period.
The security measures could affect normal movement across Islamabad and Rawalpindi, particularly if major roads are closed or traffic is diverted.
Schools and businesses face shutdown
The repeated protest calls have raised concerns among the business community, commuters and educational institutions. Schools may face closure or changes to their schedules if the security situation requires restrictions on movement. Businesses located along major routes are also concerned about reduced commercial activity if roads are blocked or customers are unable to reach markets.
Residents have been advised to prepare for possible temporary disruptions by keeping essential supplies, including fuel, cash and medicines, at home.
People travelling through Murree Road, Faizabad, D-Chowk and the Islamabad Expressway are expected to face particular challenges during major protest activity.
Those working in Blue Area and the Red Zone have also been advised to consider working remotely, particularly on September 20 and September 27, depending on the security situation. Residents can monitor Islamabad Traffic Police’s X account and FM 92.4 for traffic diversions and road-closure announcements.
PTI March
PTI’s north Punjab chapter has intensified preparations for its September 27 protest. The party has directed its office-bearers to accelerate efforts to mobilise workers and activists for the Islamabad demonstration while advising them to take precautions against arrest.
PTI has claimed that 119 prominent workers and activists were arrested in six districts of the Rawalpindi division over two days. The party has put the total number of arrests in north Punjab at 225. The figures are claims made by PTI and would require independent verification.
The party has established teams to coordinate mobilisation efforts and has also formed a legal team to handle cases involving arrested workers. According to a senior PTI leader quoted by Dawn, the party’s information wing has compiled a list of workers who have been detained.
The four protest calls mean Islamabad and Rawalpindi could face repeated security deployments and traffic restrictions over an eight-day period.
The government is simultaneously attempting negotiations with some protesting groups while preparing security measures for demonstrations that proceed as planned.
For residents, the main concerns are likely to be road closures, traffic diversions, access to workplaces and schools, availability of essential services and possible disruptions to commercial activity.
The situation is expected to develop further as negotiations continue and authorities announce detailed traffic and security arrangements ahead of each protest date.
JI Chief Hafiz Naeem vows to continue sit-ins until petrol levy ends
