Shipping containers now obstruct the primary highways into the capital as officials prepare for potential unrest. Nearly 35,000 extra security personnel have been stationed in Islamabad to prevent a march by supporters of imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan, while authorities have closed two key roads linking the city to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Police have also detained hundreds of members of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, including three of Khan's sisters.

The Punjab Interior Department has requested that the federal government degrade mobile and internet connectivity in Rawalpindi starting Sept. 27. The plan includes jamming 2G, 3G, and 4G networks to limit the coordination of the PTI's scheduled march. The political party maintains that its demonstrations will proceed despite the security lockdowns and communications restrictions.