Islamabad ( The COW News Digital)Protests erupted across several cities in Pakistan on Monday as supporters of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) took to the streets, demanding the immediate release of their incarcerated leader, former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who has now completed two years in Adiala Jail.
Led by Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ali Amin Gandapur, a large rally was held in Peshawar. The Chief Minister led the rally from a container as PTI supporters blocked the Ring Road and halted his convoy by sitting on the road. As Gandapur climbed atop the container, chants to march toward Islamabad’s D-Chowk intensified. Law enforcement and party officials eventually cleared the path, and the rally proceeded.
In a significant development, police barred prominent leaders including Mahmood Khan Achakzai, Salman Akram Raja, and Imran Khan’s sisters from visiting Adiala Jail. The blockade occurred at Chakri Road, highlighting heightened security measures around the prison. Rawalpindi’s City Police Officer (CPO), Khalid Hamdani, also visited the jail to review security in anticipation of protests.
PTI claimed that over 300 workers were arrested in Lahore alone, including six opposition members of the Punjab Assembly. Protests in the city were met with baton charges by police. Joint rallies in Lahore also highlighted Kashmir Exploitation Day, on the instructions of Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi.
In Karachi, tensions escalated near Hassan Square on University Road, where police blocked roads and dispersed PTI protesters with tear gas after stone-pelting incidents. Several protestors were arrested on-site.
Demonstrations were also reported in Hyderabad, Larkana, Thatta, Nawabshah, and Latifabad. In cities like Jhang and Shakargarh, scattered protests emerged, while in Multan, PTI accused police of arbitrarily arresting numerous supporters.
In Balochistan, PTI and Pashtoonkhwa Milli Awami Party (PKMAP) jointly organized a rally in Chaman. Further protests were held in Pishin, Qila Abdullah, Mir Ali, Hangu, Mohmand, Malakand, Swabi, and Muzaffarabad, reflecting the party’s national outreach and coordination.
PTI leaders have vowed to continue their struggle until Imran Khan is released, claiming the legal actions against him are politically motivated.
