Marking the second anniversary of Imran Khan’s imprisonment, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters launched widespread protests across the country on Tuesday, with the party vowing to sustain the movement until the former prime minister’s release.
The protests, described by PTI as a national push for democratic restoration, were carried out despite a state-wide crackdown, arrests, and bans on public gatherings in several major cities. In a message attributed to Khan, he urged the people to rise for true democracy, while PTI leaders labelled his arrest as politically motivated.
Police block PTI leaders at Adiala Jail
Senior PTI figures, including Ali Muhammad Khan and Mahmood Khan Achakzai, were blocked from meeting Imran Khan at Adiala Jail. Khan’s sisters, Aleema Khan and Noreen Niazi, were also turned away, with Aleema vowing to stay put until a meeting was allowed. She accused the government of denying visas to Imran’s children and equated Pakistan’s current situation to IIOJ&K.
Mass arrests sweep Punjab
Punjab became the epicenter of the police operation, with over 200 pre-dawn raids reported in Lahore alone. PTI claims more than 300 people were detained, including Deputy Opposition Leader Moin Qureshi and multiple MPAs. Viral footage of elderly leader Rehana Dar being mistreated by police drew strong condemnation.
Defying Section 144, protests erupt nationwide
Despite Section 144 restrictions, rallies were held in numerous cities across Punjab and KP. In Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Mianwali, PTI leaders led marches while local offices organised gatherings of students, lawyers, and civil society members. Labour wings and youth groups were particularly active in Narowal, Layyah, and Okara.
PTI legal wing and media face intimidation
PTI’s Insaf Legal Forum set up legal aid stations at courts to assist arrested workers. The party also accused law enforcement of raiding media offices and harassing the Punjab media coordinator Shayan Bashir.
Leadership speaks out: ‘This is just the beginning’
Central leader Sheikh Waqas Akram delivered a blistering statement against the government, accusing it of running a police state. He mocked PML-N’s failed Lahore event and slammed the ECP for disqualifying PTI lawmakers under false pretenses.
Asad Qaiser reveals behind-the-scenes offers
In a protest speech in Swabi, Asad Qaiser revealed that Imran Khan was offered deals to leave prison in exchange for exile or silence—offers which Khan rejected. Qaiser announced that PTI’s second protest phase will begin on August 14 in Sindh.
He warned that the nation is at a tipping point. “This is not just about Imran Khan—it’s about reclaiming Pakistan from decades of corruption and injustice.”