Islamabad, September 21, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is set to hold a protest on September 27 demanding the release of imprisoned party founder Imran Khan and what it describes as the restoration of constitutional order, amid continuing tensions between civilian political institutions and the military establishment.
A report published by Pressenza International Press Agency said the planned protest could again highlight what it described as one of Pakistan’s deepest structural political challenges — the unresolved balance of power between elected civilian authorities and the military.
The report, authored by social policy specialist Chrysoula Asteriadou, noted that nearly five decades after the 1977 military coup, questions remain over the relative authority of political institutions deriving legitimacy from elections and the military establishment, which has historically exercised influence beyond its constitutional defence role.
Khan’s political trajectory has also reflected these tensions. After he became Prime Minister in 2018, analysts and political opponents argued that his rise was aided by the military establishment, a claim rejected by Khan and the PTI. His government also faced criticism over alleged pressure on journalists and media organisations, the use of cybercrime laws and incidents involving critical voices.
The subsequent breakdown in relations between Khan and the military leadership, the report said, highlighted a political system in which civilian and military elites have at times worked alongside each other before coming into conflict when their interests diverged.
It added that Khan’s case should not be viewed solely as a confrontation between a democratic politician and a military leader, while stressing that questions concerning his rights and the legality and conditions of his prolonged imprisonment remain relevant.
The report also pointed to changes in Pakistan’s military command structure under Army Chief Asim Munir. In May last year, Munir was promoted to the rank of Field Marshal, becoming only the second Pakistani military officer after Ayub Khan to hold the position. In November last year, the 27th Constitutional Amendment restructured the military command and created the post of Chief of Defence Forces, which Munir assumed while retaining his position as army chief.
Ahead of the September 27 protest, Khan’s sisters Uzma Khan, Noreen Niazi and Aleema Khan were detained following orders issued by the Lahore Deputy Commissioner, Pakistan-based daily Dawn reported.
Uzma Khan and Noreen Niazi were ordered to be detained for 30 days under the Punjab Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance, 1960, with the orders stating that they were “prejudicial to the public safety and maintenance of public order”. Aleema Khan was similarly detained for 30 days on Sunday.
PTI leaders had announced on September 13 that the planned protest and long march would seek not only Khan’s release but also the restoration of democracy, constitutional supremacy and the rule of law.
Addressing a press conference, PTI leaders Haris Touro, Shahid Anwar, Riazur Rehman, Insaf Lawyers Forum president advocate Sajjad Ahmed, Bakhtshad Khan and others said Pakistan was facing a severe political and economic crisis, Dawn reported.
They alleged that constitutional and legal institutions had been weakened and that the electoral process had been undermined. The leaders also described Khan as a symbol of national unity and claimed that he could help steer Pakistan out of the current crisis.
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