Over 300 Party Workers Reportedly Detained; Security Tightened Around Adiala Jail
In Lahore, law enforcement arrested more than six PTI Punjab MPAs members as part of an ongoing crackdown on the party’s leadership. PTI claims over 300 workers have been detained in the city, with authorities also raiding the homes of key party figures.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters took to the streets across the country on Tuesday in response to a protest call by the party’s co-founder and jailed former prime minister, Imran Khan. The demonstrations coincided with the second anniversary of Khan’s imprisonment.
Protests erupted in multiple regions, with participants demanding the immediate release of Imran Khan. In Lahore, Shaukat Basra led a major rally through the city, with crowds waving PTI flags and chanting slogans in Khan’s support.
In Okara, Mehr Abdul Sattar spearheaded a motorcycle rally, with demonstrators echoing the call, “Release our Khan.” Convoys were seen moving toward central gathering points.
The Insaf Youth Wing also initiated its first protest convoy from District Mohmand, indicating a surge in grassroots support even before the formal protest announcement was made public.
In Sheikhupura, MPA Waqas Mehmood Maan, also Senior Vice President of PTI’s Punjab Kisan Wing, led a large farmer turnout demanding Imran Khan’s release.
Violence and Police Action
PTI’s Punjab wing reported via X (formerly Twitter) that former MNA Aliya Hamza Malik was injured after police allegedly attacked her vehicle as she attempted to join a peaceful demonstration. The incident occurred with Punjab Chief Organizer Malik also present in the vehicle. PTI accused authorities of obstructing lawful protest activities.
Former National Assembly Deputy Speaker Qasim Khan Suri claimed that overnight raids were conducted on the homes of PTI leaders and workers in Lahore, with unidentified individuals destroying CCTV equipment.
The list of arrested MPAs includes Moin Qureshi (Deputy Opposition Leader), Farukh Javed Moon, Colonel Shoaib, Nadeem Sadiq Dogar, Khawaja Salahuddin, Aminullah Khan, and Iqbal Khattak.
Punjab Inspector General Dr Usman Anwar responded with a public statement urging citizens not to blame the police, noting that law enforcement “stays awake at night to keep the public safe.”
PTI Lahore President Imtiaz Shaikh said the party plans to hold strong demonstrations across various constituencies, with efforts to stage a large central rally. An alternate plan is in place should security measures prevent the original gathering.
Tight Security Measures in Rawalpindi
In Rawalpindi, authorities implemented extensive security protocols. Over 4,000 police personnel have been deployed, according to the City Police Officer (CPO). Special forces, including the Riot Management Force, have been stationed around Adiala Jail, a high-security zone.
Section 144 has been enforced across the city, and officials have vowed strict implementation. Surveillance systems, including Safe City cameras, are actively monitoring protest activity. The CPO stated that any disruption to public order would result in swift legal action, warning that no group or individual would be allowed to disturb civic life.
Patrolling teams and police pickets are active across Rawalpindi to maintain peace.
Protests Expand to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Meanwhile, a PTI convoy from Tehsil Tall is reportedly en route to Hangu, signaling the protest’s geographic spread and the party’s efforts to build momentum nationwide.
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