ISLAMABAD is bracing for two waves of protests. Not too long ago, for political parties to march towards the federal capital was nothing out of the ordinary. However, for some years now, Islamabad has increasingly come to be discussed in political circles as some kind of grand prize that is to be conquered or defended, depending on where one stands. In the days ahead, the Jamaat-i-Islami and the PTI are both expected to arrive at its gates, each with a very different list of demands in hand.

The JI has set out to seek relief for the public from the harrowing prices of fuel these days, but there is no saying if that will be the limit of its ambition once the Margalla Hills are in sight. The PTI wants much more: it seeks to agitate for constitutional and democratic rights, elections and a fairer judiciary, as well as the release of, or at least some relief for, its jailed founder Imran Khan. Though both the JI and PTI sit on the opposition benches, it appears so far that their marches are taking place independently, and they would rather keep things that way.

Given the rate at which containers are being laid out, trenches being dug and additional security requisitioned, it seems that the government is preparing not for a political event but an invasion. Even more concerning is the manner in which it has been arbitrarily arresting and detaining citizens, including Mr Khan’s sisters. This could turn an otherwise manageable political event into something much more confrontational.

To avoid further escalation, the government must produce all detained leaders for judicial review and proceed by the book thereafter. Political protest is a right enshrined in the Constitution, and anyone, regardless of the party they belong to, is entitled to exercise that right as long as they do not take the law in their own hands.

It would be commendable if, instead of a ‘thwart the protesters at all costs’ mentality, the government could designate protest sites before the caravans arrive so that it is not accused of subverting constitutional rights. In other words, the government would do well to avoid any unjustified use of force. The protesters, too, must stick to lawful means and avoid unnecessary confrontation. Both sides must remember that it is politics, not war, for which the protesters are marching to Islamabad.

Published in Dawn, September 22nd, 2026