Pakistan witnessed protest rallies and heightened political and security tensions on the third anniversary of the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. According to Pakistani media reports, supporters of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party gathered in various cities, demanding Imran Khan’s release and the restoration of his political rights.
In the city of Rawalpindi, police used tear gas to disperse protesters, while extensive security measures were implemented at demonstration sites. Reports indicate that these measures were taken to control the situation and prevent the protests from spreading.
The largest protest rally was held in Peshawar, the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, where the PTI maintains a significant political base. Participants chanted slogans calling for Imran Khan’s release and the restoration of his political rights.
Meanwhile, reports from Punjab province indicate that security forces have arrested several PTI members in the cities of Lahore, Mianwali, and Rawalpindi. Some media outlets have also reported confrontations between police and journalists covering the protests.
Chaudhry Bilal Ejaz, the PTI’s secretary-general in Punjab province, stated that five members of the party’s parliamentarians were among those detained in Lahore. Pakistani authorities have so far not issued an official response regarding the details of these arrests or the reports that have been published.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
