More than 150 protesters were arrested across Pakistan on Tuesday as demonstrations erupted demanding the release of jailed opposition leader Imran Khan. Security officials confirmed that nearly 120 arrests occurred during overnight raids, with additional detentions happening during protests in cities including Lahore and Karachi. The protests coincided with the second anniversary of Khan’s imprisonment, showcasing widespread support for the former Prime Minister.
Demonstrators, primarily supporters of Khan’s political party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), gathered outside a courthouse in Lahore, chanting “Free Imran Khan.” Smaller groups also protested in various locations throughout the city. Faisal Kamran, Deputy Inspector General of police, stated that around three dozen activists were arrested for attempting to block main roads. In Karachi, supporters disrupted traffic on bikes and rickshaws while displaying Khan’s posters and party flags.
Government Response and Allegations Against PTI
The protests elicited a swift response from authorities. In Lahore, police utilized tear gas to disperse crowds, reflecting escalating tensions between the government and Khan’s supporters. Uzma Bukhari, a spokesperson for Punjab’s provincial government, labelled the PTI a terrorist organization, a claim that PTI representatives vehemently denied. Party spokesperson Zulfikar Bukhari asserted that over 200 activists were detained in Lahore alone, highlighting the government’s crackdown on dissent.
In a message attributed to Khan, the former cricket star, who was ousted from power in April 2022, urged his supporters to engage in peaceful protests until a “true democracy” is restored. Khan’s legal troubles have been extensive; he was convicted in a corruption case in January 2023 but has maintained his innocence, claiming the charges are politically motivated.
Political Landscape and Future Implications
The political environment surrounding these events remains charged. Following Khan’s arrest in May 2023, nationwide protests erupted, prompting a significant crackdown on PTI members. Recently, hundreds of party members, including several parliamentarians, were convicted in connection with protests against Khan’s arrest. As a result, the Election Commission of Pakistan announced that nine parliamentarians were disqualified from holding office, further destabilizing PTI’s position.
Despite these challenges, Khan’s party emerged as the largest in the 2024 election, though it claims that vote rigging has robbed it of additional seats. Other political factions have united to form a government led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who denies allegations of electoral fraud. The ongoing unrest suggests that the political landscape in Pakistan remains fluid, with potential ramifications for both the government and Khan’s supporters in the future.
