Violent Protests Erupt in Pakistan Demanding Ex-PM Imran Khan's Release, 47 PTI Workers Held

Karachi: As voices grew demanding the immediate release of jailed former Prime Minister of Pakistan , Imran Khan, supporters of his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) hit the streets in Karachi resulting in a violent clash with the security forces. 

Protestors clashed with police personnel at the Karachi Press Club and Teen Talwar area. They were met with full force as tear gas was used against them. 

More than 47 people were also detained after a police van was set fire. 

Violent Clash Erupts In Pakistan ’s Karachi | WATCH

Earlier, over 30 supporters of jailed former premier Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, including lawyers, were arrested after they managed to reach historic Minar-e-Pakistan premises on late Saturday night demanding the release of their leader, police said. 

Lahore police have charged over 200 PTI leaders and workers, including Imran Khan, with terrorism offenses. To prevent PTI's protest, hundreds of containers were strategically placed throughout Lahore, blocking all entry and exit points. Additionally, police closed off roads leading to the Jati Umra Raiwind residence of the ruling Sharif family and deployed Rangers across the city.

A curfew-like atmosphere surrounded the Minar-e- Pakistan venue, which remains off-limits to the public indefinitely. Despite this, some PTI workers and lawyers managed to gather at the protest site late Saturday night, chanting slogans in support of their jailed leader, before police intervened and made arrests.

"Police have arrested over 30 PTI workers and registered a case against over 200 PTI workers and leaders, including Imran Khan, under terrorism and other charges," a police official said.

Former Punjab minister Mussarat Cheema and Punjab Assembly Opposition Leader Malik Ahmad Bachar also approached Minar-e- Pakistan , where they were detained. The two leaders stated that PTI workers had gathered to celebrate Khan's birthday and to pass the “Haqeeqi Azadi” (Real Freedom) resolution at this historic site, where the Pakistan Resolution was adopted in 1940.

Khan had previously issued a "Do or Die" directive, urging PTI supporters to organize protests in their respective cities.