Pakistan’s opposition Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf has said it will proceed with its planned September 27 protest calling for the release of jailed former Prime Minister and PTI founder Imran Khan, despite a government crackdown and increased security measures ahead of the demonstration.
The planned protest has become a major political issue in Pakistan after authorities detained three of Imran Khan’s sisters. Aleema Khan was detained in Lahore on September 20, while her sisters Dr Uzma Khan and Noreen Niazi were detained the following day. The three women were ordered to be held for 30 days under Pakistan’s Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance.
The detentions have prompted a legal challenge before the Lahore High Court. Shahraiz Khan, the son of Aleema Khan, filed a petition challenging the detention orders issued against his mother and two aunts. The petition argues that the authorities failed to follow the procedure required under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance.
According to the petition, the detention orders do not contain specific allegations sufficient to justify preventive detention. It also argues that ordinary criminal law and less restrictive measures were not properly considered before the detention orders were issued. These are arguments made by the petitioners and remain subject to judicial consideration.
On September 22, the Lahore High Court sought arguments on whether the petition challenging Aleema Khan’s detention is maintainable. Justice Abher Gul Khan heard the matter and adjourned the hearing until September 25 for further arguments. The court has not, at this stage, issued a final ruling declaring the detention orders lawful or unlawful.
The detentions have taken place ahead of PTI’s planned September 27 demonstration and march to Islamabad. The party says the protest is intended to demand Imran Khan’s release and raise issues concerning constitutional and democratic rights.
PTI leaders have said the party intends to continue with the protest despite arrests of party workers and political figures. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi said PTI would proceed with the September 27 protest and that the party would announce its detailed plan on September 25.
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has also said the party does not intend to create a confrontation or take the law into its own hands. According to reports, PTI has described the proposed demonstration as a peaceful and democratic protest.
The Pakistani government has taken a different position. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has warned that authorities will not allow the protest to disrupt Islamabad or obstruct public roads. The government has said security measures will be implemented in accordance with the law.
Security preparations have been stepped up in the capital ahead of September 27. Reports indicate that additional police personnel from Punjab and Sindh are being arranged to support security operations in Islamabad. Authorities have also prepared measures to control access to important roads and entry points into the capital.
The government’s security preparations come amid concern that a large PTI mobilisation could affect traffic and public services in Islamabad. Officials have stressed that roads and other public facilities should not be blocked during the protest.
PTI, however, maintains that it has the right to organise a political demonstration. Party leaders have said they have attempted to pursue their demands through constitutional and legal channels but argue that their efforts have not produced the release of Imran Khan.
Imran Khan has remained in prison since 2023 and continues to face several legal cases. His Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf party has repeatedly called for his release and has disputed the legal cases against him. The government and courts have dealt with the cases through Pakistan’s legal system, while Khan’s party has described his imprisonment as politically motivated.
The detention of Khan’s sisters has added another dimension to the political dispute. Although the three women do not hold formal political positions in PTI, they have publicly advocated for Imran Khan’s release and have been involved in efforts to secure access to him.
Aleema Khan in particular has frequently spoken publicly about her brother’s imprisonment. Authorities cited public safety and public order concerns in issuing her detention order. Reuters reported that Lahore’s district administration said her presence in public could pose a threat to public safety.
PTI has disputed the justification for the detentions. The party and the family’s legal representatives have argued that the authorities did not provide adequate grounds and did not follow the required procedures. Those claims are now part of the court proceedings.
The situation has also drawn wider attention because preventive detention powers are being used against individuals associated with a major opposition party shortly before a planned political demonstration. The Lahore High Court’s consideration of the detention petitions could therefore become an important legal development before the September 27 protest.
The immediate focus remains on whether PTI will be able to organise the planned demonstration and how authorities will respond. PTI says it intends to proceed, while the government has warned against attempts to disrupt Islamabad.
The next major developments are expected to include the Lahore High Court hearing on the detention challenge, PTI’s announcement of its detailed protest plan on September 25 and the security arrangements ahead of September 27.
The political situation remains fluid. Any changes to the detention orders, court proceedings or government restrictions could affect the organisation of the protest. Until then, PTI continues to maintain that its September 27 demonstration will go ahead, while Pakistani authorities say they will take measures to protect public order and prevent disruption in the capital.