Pakistan unrest: PTI hits streets for Imran Khan’s release; arrests, blackouts reported

Islamabad: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) initiated a nationwide protest campaign demanding the release of its founder and former prime minister Imran Khan, who has been imprisoned for one year on Tuesday.

According to WION the protests were launched under the leadership of Aleema Khan, Imran Khan's sister, and were aimed at drawing attention to what the party describes as the continued political victimisation of Khan.

Section 144, which prohibits public gatherings, was imposed in Islamabad and Rawalpindi to prevent rallies, especially near Adiala Jail, where Khan is currently being held. Despite the restrictions, PTI workers and leaders gathered at various locations across Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan.

According to PTI leaders, over 300 arrests were made in Punjab alone, primarily in Lahore, where the police reportedly raided homes and party offices in advance of the protests. Party officials have condemned the arrests and called them an effort to silence political opposition.

Adiala Jail, which has a capacity of 2,000 inmates, is currently housing more than 7,000 prisoners, according to PTI. Imran Khan, along with several other senior party members, is reportedly in solitary confinement and has had no access to legal counsel or family visits for months.

PTI spokesperson Raoof Hasan told reporters that the party will not step back from its demand for Khan’s release. He also accused the government of deliberately delaying legal proceedings and using undemocratic measures to prevent Khan’s return to public life.

The protests are seen as a critical test of PTI’s ability to mobilise its base under pressure. If today’s movement fails to gain ground, the party is expected to escalate its efforts and possibly coordinate a larger protest campaign on 14 August, Pakistan’s Independence Day.