On Wednesday, more than 100 supporters of the former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan, were taken into custody as protests erupted across the country to mark three years since his imprisonment. Police actions were particularly pronounced in the Punjab and Sindh provinces, where demonstrators faced strong responses from law enforcement.

The primary demonstration occurred in Peshawar, the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where Khan’s political party, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), holds power. Following the rally in Peshawar, additional protests unfolded in various cities, including Lahore, Mianwali, Rawalpindi, and Karachi, as both Khan’s supporters and human rights activists voiced their concerns regarding his treatment while incarcerated.

Police Force Used Against Protesters

Authorities in Punjab resorted to baton charges against demonstrators, resulting in numerous arrests of PTI members in Lahore, Mianwali, and Rawalpindi. On Lahore’s Mall Road, law enforcement disrupted a gathering of supporters demanding Khan’s release, leading to the detention of several individuals. Footage shared on social media depicted riot police employing force to manage crowds, and reporters covering the events reportedly faced aggression from police officers.

Chaudhry Bilal Ejaz, the general secretary of PTI Punjab, remarked on the widespread arrests, stating that five party lawmakers were among those apprehended in Lahore alone. He asserted that despite the prevailing circumstances of oppression, many PTI activists and office-bearers took part in protests, reaffirming their solidarity with Khan.

The PTI announced that at least 50 party members were detained across Mianwali, Rawalpindi, and other areas in Punjab. In Karachi, police employed tear gas to disperse PTI supporters in the Saddar Town area, resulting in the arrest of more than 10 individuals. Reports also indicated the capture of six workers in Pano Aqil and 15 in Kandhkot.

Concerns Over Khan’s Health and Legal Rights

Aleema Khan, the sister of Imran Khan, declared that the movement advocating for her brother’s release is gaining momentum, with further plans to be revealed shortly. Senior PTI leader and former federal minister Moonis Elahi raised alarms regarding Khan’s health, alleging that he has been denied proper medical treatment and access to visitors.

Sheryar Afridi, another prominent PTI member, expressed that while the authorities may have stripped Khan of his freedom, they cannot undermine his determination and spirit. He urged that the nation remains steadfast in its support for Khan, referring to him as “Kaptaan.” Since Khan’s arrest on August 5, 2023, he has remained incarcerated while facing a range of legal challenges.

The PTI has repeatedly claimed that these charges are politically motivated, a statement contested by the government led by Shehbaz Sharif. Additionally, Amnesty International has called on Pakistani officials to ensure that Khan’s rights are upheld. Isabelle Lassee, Acting Regional Director for South Asia with Amnesty, highlighted the systematic violations Khan has faced over the past three years, including extended periods of solitary confinement and restrictions on medical care.

She further indicated that Khan has not been permitted to meet family members for more than eight months and both he and his wife, Bushra Bibi, have been denied regular access to legal counsel since December 2025. The day concluded with protests, arrests, and renewed scrutiny regarding the conditions of Khan’s imprisonment, as his party intensified its calls for his release.

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