On August 5, 2025, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) organized nationwide protests to mark the second anniversary of former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s imprisonment. The demonstrations aimed to demand his release and were met with significant security measures, including widespread arrests.
In Lahore, the capital of Punjab province, police detained over 300 PTI activists in overnight raids. Among those arrested was party leader Rehana Dar, who was reportedly dragged into a police van by riot gear-clad personnel. Additionally, six provincial lawmakers were taken into custody, including seven members from the Punjab Assembly. The detentions were part of a broader crackdown to prevent large gatherings, with Section 144 imposed in Islamabad and Rawalpindi to ban public assemblies
Despite these efforts, PTI supporters continued to rally in various cities, including Peshawar, where Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur led a demonstration. The party claimed that more than 500 of its workers were arrested across the country, primarily in Punjab
The protests were sparked by Khan’s imprisonment on charges related to corruption and inciting unrest following his arrest in May 2023. His supporters argue that the charges are politically motivated and aim to suppress opposition. In response to the mass convictions of PTI members in July 2025, the party announced plans to challenge the verdicts and continue its protests until Khan’s release
As the situation develops, PTI remains steadfast in its demand for Khan’s freedom, while the government maintains that the legal proceedings are legitimate and necessary to uphold the rule of law.
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