Archive · 20 Sep 2026
Pakistan PTI March Tensions Rise as Sister Arrested
Pakistan’s PTI party plans to march toward Islamabad on September 27.
The party wants its jailed founder, Imran Khan, released.
It also wants constitutional and political changes.
Police arrested Imran Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, in Lahore.
This has increased tension between the party and the government.
The finance minister says protests could cost the country about Rs 120 billion every day.
He says services, industry, agriculture and government revenue could all be affected.
The government says it will stop the march from reaching Islamabad.
A court has also said protesters cannot block roads or public buildings.
Another party, Jamaat-i-Islami, is separately protesting fuel taxes.
Police arrested Aleema Khan, Imran Khan’s sister, in Lahore ahead of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s planned September 27 march.
The PTI is demanding Imran Khan’s release, constitutional supremacy and broader political reforms.
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb warned that prolonged protests could cause estimated losses of Rs 120 billion daily.
The government says it will prevent protesters from reaching Islamabad and has prepared containers, security personnel and anti-riot equipment.
The Islamabad High Court said parties cannot lawfully block roads, public facilities or citizen movement in the capital.
- Who
- The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, the Pakistani government, Aleema Khan, Imran Khan and Jamaat-i-Islami are central to the developments.
- What
- PTI is preparing a march toward Islamabad while the government warns of economic losses and authorities arrest Aleema Khan.
- When
- Aleema Khan was arrested on Sunday; the PTI march is planned for September 27, and the Islamabad High Court issued its relevant order on September 14.
- Where
- The arrest took place in Lahore, while the planned march is directed toward Islamabad and preparations are also under way in nearby Rawalpindi.
- Why
- The PTI says it is seeking Imran Khan’s release, constitutional supremacy and political reforms; the government cites economic, security, traffic and public-order concerns.
PTI and Protest Supporters
Government and Authorities
Purpose of the march
PTI and Protest Supporters
The PTI says the mobilisation seeks Imran Khan’s release, constitutional supremacy and broader political reforms.
Government and Authorities
The government says it will prevent protesters from marching into Islamabad and cites security, traffic and public-order concerns.
Political restrictions and arrests
PTI and Protest Supporters
The PTI has accused the government of using arrests and restrictions to suppress its political activities.
Government and Authorities
Authorities say measures surrounding large demonstrations are necessary because of security, traffic and public-order risks.
Economic impact
PTI and Protest Supporters
The PTI’s planned mobilisation is presented as a political campaign for its demands.
Government and Authorities
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb says prolonged protests could cause about Rs 120 billion in daily losses, with ordinary citizens, workers, small traders and daily wage earners ultimately bearing the cost.
- Planned PTI march
- September 27, toward Islamabad
- Arrest
- Aleema Khan was arrested at her residence in Lahore on Sunday.
- Estimated daily loss
- Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said protests could cause about Rs 120 billion in daily losses.
- Sector estimates
- Services: Rs 86 billion; industry: Rs 25 billion; agriculture: Rs 9 billion per day.
- Additional revenue loss
- The finance minister estimated another Rs 17 billion in lost revenue if protests proceed.
- Court position
- The Islamabad High Court said parties cannot lawfully occupy roads, highways, interchanges, toll plazas or government buildings in Islamabad.
- Other protest
- Jamaat-i-Islami is marching over petroleum levies of Rs 114 per litre on petrol and Rs 100 per litre on diesel.