Supporters of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) across Pakistan took to the streets on August 5, 2025, to mark the second anniversary of their leader Imran Khan's imprisonment. The demonstrations, which saw thousands participate, were met with a significant government response, including widespread arrests and the imposition of restrictions on public gatherings. In Lahore, the capital of Punjab province, police detained over 200 PTI activists through overnight raids and actions taken as protesters attempted to block roads. Similarly, in Karachi, hundreds of PTI supporters gathered, displaying posters of Imran Khan and party flags, but were dispersed by police using tear gas. The government had proactively implemented Section 144 in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, prohibiting gatherings of four or more people, and deployed the newly established Federal Constabulary to maintain internal security. PTI spokesperson Zulfikar Bukhari reported that more than 500 party leaders and workers were arrested across Punjab alone, highlighting what the party describes as a crackdown on its membership. The party maintains that the charges against Imran Khan are politically motivated and views his continued detention as an erosion of democratic principles, vowing to persist with its protests until Khan's release.
Imran Khan, a former Prime Minister elected in 2018, was ousted in April 2022. He was initially arrested in May 2023 on corruption charges and inciting riots, claims his party asserts are fabricated. His incarceration has become a focal point of political tension in Pakistan, with the PTI framing the situation as an attack on democratic norms. The government's response includes not only arrests but also the deployment of the Federal Constabulary, a paramilitary force recently transformed to operate nationwide. This force, previously focused on border security, is now intended to bolster internal security, riot control, and counterterrorism efforts, operating under officers from the Police Service of Pakistan. This strategic enhancement of internal security mechanisms reflects the government's focus on managing dissent and maintaining order amidst the ongoing political climate. The protests underscore the deep political divisions within Pakistan. The PTI's commitment to continued action, coupled with the government's firm stance on managing public order, suggests that the political landscape will remain dynamic. The events of August 5, 2025, serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle for political expression and the government's efforts to maintain stability.