Imran Khan’s Sister Arrested Ahead Of PTI March As Pakistan Warns Of Rs 120 Billion Daily Loss

Pakistan’s political tensions are rising ahead of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)’s planned September 27 march towards Islamabad, with police arresting party founder Imran Khan’s sister Aleema Khan in Lahore and the government warning that prolonged protests could cause massive economic losses.

Aleema Khan was arrested at her Lahore residence on Sunday, according to Reuters. Lahore authorities ordered her detention for 30 days under the Maintenance of Public Order law, citing concerns over public safety. Her arrest comes as PTI prepares a nationwide mobilisation demanding the release of Imran Khan, who has remained in prison since August 2023, along with the supremacy of the Constitution and wider political reforms.

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb warned that protests, strikes, road blockages and sit-ins could cause an estimated Rs 120 billion daily loss to Pakistan’s economy. The estimate was prepared with the Planning Commission’s economic wing, based on previous disruptions and current economic conditions.

The services sector is expected to suffer the biggest impact, with estimated losses of Rs 86 billion a day across financial services, communications, retail, transport, wholesale and hospitality. The industrial sector could lose Rs 25 billion, while agriculture could face another Rs 9 billion in losses. The government also estimates around Rs 17 billion in lost revenue if economic activity is disrupted.

Aurangzeb described the potential disruption as “self-inflicted pain”, particularly as Pakistan is already facing higher freight and insurance costs and supply chain pressures linked to the Middle East conflict. He also warned that internet disruptions during previous episodes of civil disobedience had affected the country’s IT exports.

The minister urged political parties to resolve their differences through dialogue, warning that the economic burden would ultimately fall on ordinary citizens, workers, small traders and daily wage earners.

The government has said it will prevent protesters from reaching Islamabad. The Islamabad High Court ruled on September 14 that political parties and leaders have no lawful right to occupy public roads, highways, interchanges, toll plazas or government buildings or block citizens’ movement.

Authorities have begun preparations in Islamabad and neighbouring Rawalpindi, including containers, additional security personnel and anti riot equipment.

Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) has also begun a march towards Islamabad against the government’s petroleum levy. The government currently imposes taxes and duties of Rs 114 per litre on petrol and Rs 100 on diesel.