Islamabad hospitals received a directive on Monday to prepare for a potential mass casualty incident as PTI plans a protest on 27 September. The orders called for all elective surgeries to be postponed indefinitely, surgical teams to be on standby, and all staff leave to be suspended. Employees already on leave were recalled to duty. The instruction came after security officials warned of a possible surge of injuries if the march turns violent.
The directive follows the detention of Imran Khan's relatives, including sisters Aleema Khan, Noreen Niazi and Dr. Uzma Khan, and other party members. Eight family members were reportedly taken into custody within 24 hours of the protest announcement. While the sisters remain in jail, their son Shershah Khan said they were released after a few hours, though their status is still unclear.
Patients scheduled for elective surgery on Monday were notified that their procedures would be postponed. A local surgeon, Dr. Faisal Sultan, has been barred from visiting Khan for weeks, raising concerns about the former prime minister's health. PTI says the crackdown signals a broader assault on the party's right to protest.
Security forces have stepped up patrols around the National Assembly and the prime minister's former residence. The government has not officially linked the hospital orders to the protest, but documents refer to a ‘humanitarian crisis’ and ‘mass casualty incident’ preparation. The protest is set to begin at 9 a.m. on 27 September, with PTI demanding Khan's release.
Authorities plan to monitor the march closely, with a contingency for emergency medical response if casualties rise. PTI leaders expect the protest to draw thousands, while opposition parties call for an independent inquiry into the detentions. The next day, the Islamabad High Court will hear petitions seeking Khan’s release and addressing the detention of his family.