Pakistan’s Former PM Imran Khan’s Sister Aleema Khan Arrested as Tensions Rise Ahead of September 27 Nationwide Protest and Islamabad March — Government Warns of Rs120 Billion Daily Loss
Islamabad, Pakistan | September 20, 2026 | The Global Journal
Political tensions are rising in Pakistan ahead of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)’s nationwide protest and planned march towards Islamabad on September 27. Police have arrested Aleema Khan, sister of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, in Lahore. At the same time, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has warned that prolonged protests and sit-ins could cause economic losses of around Rs120 billion per day.
According to a Reuters report, Aleema Khan was arrested at her residence in Lahore on Sunday. A notification issued by the Lahore district administration said she would be detained for 30 days, citing concerns that her presence in public could pose a significant threat to public safety. The PTI has said its September 27 mobilisation is aimed at demanding Imran Khan’s release and promoting the supremacy of the Constitution.
Warning of Rs120 Billion in Daily Economic Losses
Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said in a televised message that the estimate was based on research by the Planning Commission in consultation with the government’s economic team.
According to his estimate, the services sector could suffer the largest impact, with losses of around Rs86 billion per day. The sector includes financial services, communications, retail, transportation, wholesale and hospitality.
The industrial sector could face losses of around Rs25 billion per day, while agriculture could suffer losses of approximately Rs9 billion, he said. He also estimated additional revenue losses of around Rs17 billion if the protests go ahead.
Aurangzeb described the potential economic impact of prolonged protests and sit-ins as “self-inflicted pain”. He also pointed to the economic pressures Pakistan is facing amid higher supply-chain, transportation and insurance costs linked to the conflict in the Middle East.
The finance minister urged political parties to resolve their differences through dialogue, arguing that the economic costs of prolonged protests would ultimately affect ordinary citizens, workers, small traders and daily wage earners.
Preparations for the September 27 Protest
The PTI has announced a nationwide protest for September 27, with its main demands including the release of Imran Khan and the supremacy of the Constitution. The party has also planned a march towards Islamabad.
The government has said it will take measures to prevent the march from reaching the federal capital. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said the government would stop anyone attempting to march towards Islamabad and warned of legal action against those violating a recent Islamabad High Court order. Security preparations have already been stepped up in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, including the placement of containers at key entry points.
Meanwhile, Islamabad police have arrested four PTI activists and workers ahead of the September 27 protest. Police said the arrests were made in connection with separate criminal charges, while preparations have also been intensified to deal with the planned mobilisation.
Aleema Khan’s Arrest Adds to Political Tensions
The arrest of Aleema Khan adds another point of tension between the PTI and the government ahead of the planned mobilisation.
The PTI has previously accused authorities of using arrests and restrictions to limit its political activities. Government officials, however, have cited security, traffic and public-order concerns surrounding large demonstrations.
At the same time, Jamaat-i-Islami has also launched a march towards Islamabad over its demand for the withdrawal of the petroleum levy. The simultaneous political mobilisations have increased pressure on the authorities as they prepare for protests in and around the capital.
