Supporters of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) staged protests and rallies in Lahore on Tuesday to mark three years since the arrest of the party's founder and former Prime Minister, Imran Khan.
The demonstrations were organised following PTI's call for nationwide protests demanding Khan's release. During the protests, police carried out operations at several locations across the city, detaining a number of party leaders, lawmakers and supporters. Tensions were also reported near the Lahore High Court and the Aiwan-e-Adl area, where PTI workers and police faced off.
PTI maintains that Imran Khan was arrested from his residence in Lahore's Zaman Park on 5 August three years ago, describing the operation as a violation of the sanctity of a private home. The anniversary was observed by the party with protests and public gatherings.
According to reports, police attempted to detain PTI leader Salman Akram Raja outside the Aiwan-e-Adl. Lawyers present at the scene intervened, preventing his arrest. Police later continued detaining several PTI workers and lawyers in the area.
Among those reportedly taken into custody were Punjab Assembly member Umar Wark and several other party workers. Reports also said that Member of the National Assembly Mubeen Arif Jutt, Punjab Assembly members Ahmer Rashid Bhatti and Owais Wark were present during the protests and were later detained by police.
Local media reported that more than 20 PTI workers were detained from different parts of Lahore, although the exact number has not been independently verified.
A journalist was also caught up in the police operation. According to reports, Aaj News court reporter Natiq Rehan was detained during the crackdown. Some reports alleged that he was subjected to baton charges by police officers. Authorities had not issued an official response to those claims at the time of reporting.
Separately, PTI's Insaf Youth Wing organised a rally on Canal Road in support of Imran Khan's release. The rally was led by Central Punjab President Barrister Mian Hassan Shakeel and General Secretary Dabeer-ul-Hassan Shah, with party supporters from various districts participating. Protesters chanted slogans in support of Imran Khan and called for his release.
However, police had not issued a detailed official statement regarding the detentions or the broader operation.