PTI Protests 2025: Nationwide Rallies Demand Imran Khan’s Release Amid Mass Arrests

PTI Launches Nationwide Protests on 2nd Anniversary of Imran Khan’s Arrest

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters took to the streets across Pakistan on August 5, 2025, marking two years since former Prime Minister Imran Khan was imprisoned. The protests, met with a heavy-handed crackdown, saw mass arrests in Punjab and Balochistan, while authorities imposed Section 144 to curb gatherings.

Key Developments

1. Mass Arrests in Punjab & Balochistan

   • Police detained over 300 PTI workers in Lahore alone, including senior leaders like Moin Qureshi and six Punjab Assembly members .

   • In Balochistan, security forces arrested dozens ahead of planned rallies, with PTI claiming raids were conducted without warrants .

   • Rehana Dar, mother of PTI leader Usman Dar, was forcibly arrested from Aiwan-e-Adl in Islamabad, sparking outrage.

2. Section 144 Imposed in Major Cities

   • Islamabad and Rawalpindi banned public gatherings, citing security risks.

   • Adiala Jail, where Khan is imprisoned, was fortified with extra police amid fears of protests outside.

3. PTI’s Nationwide Mobilization

   • Lahore: PTI workers marched under Shaukat Basra’s leadership, chanting pro-Khan slogans.

   • Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur led a rally from Hayatabad Toll Plaza.

   • Sheikhupura: Farmers joined protests, demanding Khan’s release.

PTI’s White Paper & Political Demands

PTI released a 12-page dossier titled "Detention of Imran Khan: Political Victimization and Human Rights Abuses", alleging:

• Over 186 politically motivated cases against Khan.

• Judicial manipulation and media blackouts in trials.

• Calls for an independent judicial commission to probe police brutality.

Government & Police Response

• Punjab IGP Usman Anwar defended arrests, stating, "Don’t abuse the force—those in uniform stay awake for your safety" .

• Punjab Govt Spokesperson Uzma Bukhari accused PTI of "creating chaos" and labeled it a "terrorist organization disguised as a political party" .

What’s Next?

PTI has vowed to continue daily protests until Khan is freed, with plans for a major demonstration outside Adiala Jail . Analysts warn of escalating tensions as the government shows no signs of backing down.

Conclusion

Two years after Imran Khan’s arrest, Pakistan remains deeply polarized. With PTI’s mass mobilization and the state’s crackdown intensifying, the political crisis shows no signs of resolution. The coming weeks will test whether protests can force Khan’s release—or if further repression awaits.

For live updates, follow Dawn News and The Express Tribune.