{
  "id": 9519350,
  "title": "Pakistan deploys thousands of security forces ahead of protest",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/24/pakistan-deploys-thousands-of-security-forces-ahead-of-protest",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-24T07:44:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today-freemalays",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/world/2026/09/24/pakistan-deploys-thousands-of-security-forces-ahead-of-planned-protest"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Islamabad's main access routes were blocked by shipping containers and thousands of security forces in preparation for a protest organized by supporters of Imran Khan, the former prime minister currently detained in Pakistan. Police deployed 22,000 security personnel to prevent people from entering or exiting neighboring Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, where Khan's party holds power. Traffic came to a standstill due to the obstruction of key highways, entry points, and major intersections. Khan's sisters were detained under the Punjab's Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) ordinance, accused of mobilizing supporters via social media and inciting against state institutions. Over 1,500 PTI party activists were also arrested. International human rights organizations have expressed concern over increasing press censorship, mass arrests, and restrictions on fundamental freedoms in Pakistan. The 73-year-old Khan, facing multiple charges including corruption and treason, denies the allegations as politically motivated. He has been in custody since August 2023 and claims to have lost most of his vision in his right eye. Khan's supporters plan to march in Islamabad to demand his release, marking their first major street push in months.",
  "summary": "Police mobilised 22,000 personnel to lock down Islamabad, blocking access to and from neighbouring Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, where Imran Khan’s party governs.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Pakistan deploys thousands of security forces ahead of protest",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/24/pakistan-deploys-thousands-of-security-forces-ahead-of-protest-9521609",
        "published": "2026-09-24T07:44:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}