Thousands of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters rallied across the country on Wednesday to mark three years since former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s imprisonment. The charged demonstrations, demanding his release and legal rights, precipitated clashes with law enforcement and resulted in over 100 arrests.
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## Nationwide Demonstrations Ignite
Supporters of Imran Khan staged protests in several major cities, including Peshawar, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Karachi, and within Punjab and Sindh provinces. Facing tight security, thousands gathered to call for Khan’s immediate release.
In Rawalpindi, police employed tear gas after confrontations with protesters marching for Khan’s freedom. Lahore saw law enforcement baton-charge PTI workers trying to assemble on Mall Road. Mianwali and Rawalpindi also witnessed mass arrests, with dozens detained.
In Karachi, PTI supporters took to Saddar Town. Police responded by deploying tear gas and detaining more than ten protesters. Similar scenes unfolded in Pano Aqil and Kandhkot, where additional dissenters were taken into custody.
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## Clashes, Crackdowns, and Security Measures
Protesters, many chanting “release Khan now,” clashed frequently with the police. In Punjab, forces used both batons and tear gas to clear crowds. Video clips circulated widely, showing violent suppression and rapid response teams dispersing demonstrators.
Journalists covering the events claimed they were attacked by security forces. Media organizations swiftly condemned the incidents, calling for investigations. In Lahore alone, PTI said five party lawmakers were among the roughly 25 people arrested.
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## Key Demands from PTI and Leadership
Addressing a large gathering in Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Suhail Afridi laid out two central demands:
– Cases filed against Imran Khan and his wife should be fairly tried and resolved on merit.
– Restore regular access for Khan to legal counsel, medical care, and allow family visits.
Afirdi warned that if justice was not served, PTI supporters would assemble in Islamabad on September 27. He emphasized that should these demands be met, Khan could be released “within 30 minutes.”
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## Concerns Over Khan’s Treatment in Captivity
PTI has repeatedly argued that the legal accusations levied against Khan are politically driven—a claim denied by the current government under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Aleema Khan, Imran’s sister, confirmed a new phase of activism to secure his release would be launched soon. Another senior PTI leader, Moonis Elahi, claimed Khan’s prison conditions have worsened: alleging limited legal time, deteriorating eyesight, and insufficient medical care.
Khan, now 73, was arrested on August 5, 2023. He remains imprisoned while facing multiple trials. PTI insists that his access to meetings with family, party officials, and his legal team has been severely curtailed.
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## Human Rights Groups Raise Alarm
Amnesty International condemned what it described as a pattern of abuse by Pakistani authorities. The group alleged Khan has been frequently isolated, deprived of a fair trial, subjected to prolonged solitary confinement, and denied basic rights.
Isabelle Lassee, Amnesty’s Acting Regional Director for South Asia, stated that Khan has not met his family in over eight months and hasn’t had consistent access to his lawyers since December 2025.
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