PTI protests: Timeline since Imran Khan's ouster

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders and supporters are marching towards Islamabad for a "do-or-die" protest, called by imprisoned founder Imran Khan.

The protest demands the revocation of the 26th Constitutional Amendment, restoration of democracy, the return of the public's mandate, and the release of political prisoners.

Despite the Islamabad High Court (IHC) banning protests, PTI caravans continue their journey.

The protest coincides with the Belarusian president’s visit, adding political tension. In response, the government has implemented security measures, including a partial suspension of mobile and internet services in Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Punjab.

Section 144 has been enforced in Islamabad and Punjab, with additional police deployed. PTI’s past protests have resulted in clashes with law enforcement and significant disruptions.

A timeline of major PTI protests since 2022

Imran Khan was ousted as Pakistan’s Prime Minister after a no-confidence vote passed with 174 votes. The motion followed a Supreme Court ruling that Khan's actions in blocking the vote were unconstitutional.

Anticipating his loss, Khan called for nationwide protests, urging his supporters to push for early elections.

April 10, 2022: A large number of PTI supporters took to the streets across Pakistan to show their backing for party Chairman Imran Khan, following his removal via a no-confidence motion.

PTI supporters rally in support of former prime minister Imran Khan in Karachi on April 10. — Reuters

People of all ages, including men, women, and children, participated in rallies across dozens of cities, wearing red and green and chanting slogans against the incoming government.

PTI supporters take part in a rally in support of former prime minister Imran Khan in Islamabad on April 10. — AFP

Major demonstrations were held in cities such as Karachi, Peshawar, Multan, Lahore, Quetta, Islamabad, Abbottabad, and Faisalabad, as well as in towns like Bajaur, Lower Dir, Swat, and Gujranwala.

May 25-26, 2022: Imran Khan led the highly anticipated "Azadi March" in Islamabad, which sparked clashes across the country, resulting in the arrest of several PTI leaders.

Law enforcement agencies were on high alert, taking “all possible measures” to prevent the march from proceeding.

Then-PTI Chairman Imran Khan leads Azadi March to Islamabad on May 25, 2022. — Instagram/@ptiofficial

Police used tear gas to disperse PTI supporters attempting to break through roadblocks at Lahore’s Batti Chowk.

Once the protesters reached Islamabad, they breached the restricted Red Zone, clashing with security forces and injuring multiple Rangers, police, and FC personnel, according to the Islamabad Police spokesperson.

Khan ended the protest on May 26, giving the PML-N government a six-day ultimatum to dissolve the assemblies and call for elections.

He claimed that three PTI workers died in Karachi, two were thrown off the Ravi Bridge, and thousands were arrested. "My message to the imported government is to dissolve the assemblies and announce elections, or I will return to Islamabad in six days," he stated.

October 28 - November 27, 2022: Imran Khan launched PTI’s second long march from Lahore to Islamabad, demanding early elections. However, the march was interrupted when Khan was shot and injured during a rally in Wazirabad.

In this picture taken on on November 4, 2022, former prime minister Imran Khan addresses the media representatives at a hospital in Lahore, a day after an assassination attempt on him. — AFP

Despite the attack, the march continued until the end of November, with Khan announcing his decision to withdraw from "this system" and resign from all assemblies.

He eventually concluded the march by expressing gratitude to his supporters for their overwhelming participation. "I want to thank everyone who joined us in such large numbers from across Pakistan during our Rawalpindi Azadi March yesterday," he said.

May 9, 2023: After Imran Khan's arrest in the Al-Qadir Trust case, outraged PTI supporters erupted in protests across several cities, expressing their anger over their leader’s detention.

Supporters of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) throw stones after police fire tear gas to disperse them in Lahore on May 9, 2023. PHOTO: REUTERS/FILE

The protests turned violent, leading to multiple fatalities and attacks on public property and military installations, with thousands of PTI workers being arrested.

In the wake of the attack on the General Headquarters (GHQ) and the looting of the Lahore Corps Commander’s residence, the police filed cases against senior PTI leaders.

The violence, which lasted nearly three days, led many high-ranking PTI members to distance themselves from the party due to the assaults on sensitive defense and public properties.

March 2024: PTI workers staged protests in multiple cities, claiming election results from the February 8 polls were rigged, manipulated, and that the party's mandate had been stolen.

The party accused the government of tampering with Form 47s and organized several demonstrations, both inside and outside parliament, to voice their concerns.

September 2024: PTI organized a public rally demanding the immediate release of Imran Khan, despite clashes with police and the rally’s violation of the set deadline, all amid heightened security measures in Islamabad.

The gathering, held in the Sangjani locality, saw multiple caravans, led by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, making their way to the capital despite roadblocks.

PTI set a two-week deadline for Khan's release, with Gandapur declaring, "If PTI's founder is not legally released within one to two weeks, we will secure his release ourselves."

October 4-5, 2024: PTI attempted to hold a protest at D-Chowk, demanding judicial independence and Imran Khan’s release, despite the imposition of Section 144 ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation meeting.

Supporters and activists of former prime minister Imran Khan´s PTI take part in a protest in Islamabad on October 5, 2024. — AFP

Violent clashes erupted between law enforcement and PTI workers, with both sides accusing each other of initiating the violence.

Police used tear gas to disperse protesters in the capital and stopped convoys trying to enter Islamabad, while PTI supporters retaliated by hurling stones using slingshots.

The protests continued into a second day, spreading to Lahore and causing major disruptions, including road blockages, clashes between police and protesters, and the suspension of metro bus services.

October 18, 2024: The leading opposition party organized protests in key cities against the proposed 26th constitutional amendment, despite the imposition of Section 144.

Police personnel detain PTI supporters whilst they protest to demand the release of former prime minister Imran Khan, in Karachi on October 18, 2024. — AFP