MNN (Web-Desk); Marking the second anniversary of former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s arrest, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) launched a nationwide protest campaign on Tuesday, demanding his release and restoration of constitutional order. Demonstrations were held in several cities, leading to arrests, clashes with police, and heightened security measures, as the party intensified its call for political justice under the banner of Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-e-Pakistan.
The demonstrations, held under the banner of Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP), witnessed arrests, road blockades, and police crackdowns in major cities as tensions flared between authorities and PTI supporters.According to PTI officials, police detained around 300 workers in overnight raids across Lahore. PTI leaders also alleged that law enforcement agencies were targeting party members across the country.
It is learnt reported that seven Punjab Assembly members were among those detained in Lahore, quoting party figure Zulfi Bukhari. The lawmakers, including Deputy Opposition Leader Moeen Riaz Qureshi and MPs Farrukh Javed Moon, Khawaja Salahuddin, Shoaib Amir, Amanullah Khan, and Iqbal Khattak, were later released, according to Punjab Police. Rehana Dar, detained outside Aiwan-e-Adl, was also released, confirmed the party’s central media cell.
In a message posted on PTI’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, Imran Khan called on the public to “hold peaceful protests until genuine democracy is restored in Pakistan.” The former cricketer-turned-politician was ousted from office in 2022 through a no-confidence vote and later arrested in May 2023, prompting widespread protests. He denies all charges against him and labels them as politically motivated.
Khan was convicted in a corruption case in January 2024 but has also been acquitted or granted bail in several others. However, many party members and lawmakers were recently convicted for their alleged involvement in the May 9, 2023, protests following his arrest.
Peaceful Rallies Across Provinces
The protest campaign is being organized under the banner of Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP) and is led by PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan led a rally in Buner, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, asserting that protests would continue until Khan’s release.
PTI has instructed elected representatives to organize protests in their constituencies, with similar plans underway in Sindh, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and Azad Kashmir. The central leadership has already been briefed by local leaders, and all ticket holders are on high alert.
Due to security concerns, Section 144 (which prohibits public gatherings) has been imposed in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, where Adiala Jail is located. A formal notification cited intelligence reports warning of potential threats to public safety and critical infrastructure from August 5 to 10. The PTI’s request to hold a protest in Islamabad’s F-9 Park was also denied by authorities.
Clashes and Arrests in Lahore and Elsewhere
In Lahore, police detained over 30 PTI activists, claiming they were attempting to block roads. DIG Operations Faisal Kamran denied reports of hundreds being arrested. At 1:00 PM, PTI reported the arrest of senior member Rehana Dar and released a video of her being forcibly taken by police officers.
Reactions on social media were swift, with PTI condemning the police actions as disgraceful. Raja Shahbaz Bhatti, president of the Insaf Youth Wing, claimed he was injured during a crackdown, while four others were arrested. In Multan, PTI said its rally was attacked, and cars were damaged. In Balochistan’s Kohlu district, several workers and five leaders were detained.
PTI leaders also alleged that nearly 200 police raids took place in Punjab and Kashmir overnight, with many workers briefly detained after allegedly signing affidavits.
Meanwhile, Punjab’s Information Minister Azma Bokhari mocked the protest’s turnout, accusing PTI of exaggerating numbers by causing traffic jams. Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs Amir Muqam criticized the party’s choice of date, claiming it detracted from the Kashmir cause.
Security and Demonstrations Around Adiala Jail
Opposition leaders, including Salman Akram Raja and TTAP chief Mahmood Achakzai, attempted to reach Adiala Jail but were stopped by police. Achakzai emphasized their constitutional right to protest. In Peshawar, KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur led a convoy, while former AJK PM Sardar Abdul Qayyum Niazi also joined rallies after being released from detention under the MPO Ordinance.
Videos posted online showed PTI convoys departing from Peshawar, Mansehra, and other cities toward Swabi, where the Islamabad-Peshawar Motorway was blocked for over two hours before being reopened.
PTI’s Asad Qaiser claimed Imran Khan was offered freedom but declined, choosing to continue his political struggle from prison. He criticized the current government for public mistrust and corruption scandals and reiterated PTI’s commitment to restoring constitutional rule, civil liberties, parliamentary supremacy, and judicial independence.
Qaiser announced that PTI’s second protest phase would begin on August 14 and focus on Sindh, aiming to mobilize the entire country against what he termed an oppressive regime.
Internal Dissent and Protest Disruptions
In Khairabad, Nowshwera, a major protest turned chaotic when party members demanded more action instead of repetitive speeches. Protesters blocked GT Road after leaders abruptly left without speaking.
In Buner, PTI Chairman Gohar Khan and Provincial Minister Fakhar Jahan addressed a large gathering, condemning Khan’s imprisonment and the harassment of lawmakers and their families.
Public Sentiment and Former Allies Speak Out
Former PTI leaders Asad Umar and Fawad Chaudhry, who had distanced themselves after the May 9 riots, also commented on Imran Khan’s detention. Umar stated that the public still views Khan’s imprisonment as politically motivated and urged national leaders to engage with PTI for a constitutional resolution to the crisis.
