Timeline of PTI protests since Imran Khan ousted as prime minister

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders and workers are converging on Islamabad to stage a critical "do-or-die" protest, following a call from the party’s founder, Imran Khan, who is currently imprisoned.

The protest, set for Sunday, comes with significant demands from the PTI: the repeal of the 26th Constitutional Amendment, the restoration of democracy and the Constitution, the return of the public mandate, and the release of all "innocent political prisoners."

Despite the Islamabad High Court's (IHC) orders prohibiting such protests, the PTI is moving forward with its plans, defying the newly enacted peaceful assembly law.

PTI workers, led by prominent party leaders, are marching towards the federal capital, even as the government has heightened security measures, including the imposition of Section 144 in Islamabad and Punjab and the deployment of thousands of police officers, Rangers, and Frontier Constabulary (FC) units.

This protest is particularly significant as it coincides with the visit of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and a delegation from Belarus. The timing of the protest, alongside strict security measures, reflects the tense political climate in Pakistan.

PTI has staged several major protests since Imran Khan’s ouster in April 2022 through a no-confidence motion, with a series of marches and demonstrations highlighting the party’s opposition to the ruling government.

Notably, the "Azadi March" of May 2022, aimed at forcing the government to dissolve the assemblies and call for elections, saw clashes with law enforcement, resulting in injuries and arrests. The march concluded with Imran Khan issuing an ultimatum to the government, demanding elections within six days.

In October and November 2022, PTI organized a second long march from Lahore to Islamabad to demand early elections. This march was disrupted when Imran Khan was shot in Wazirabad but continued until the end of the month. Khan later declared his intention to withdraw from the existing political system.

The PTI's political unrest continued into 2023, with violent protests erupting in May after Khan’s arrest in the Al-Qadir Trust case.

The violence led to the deaths of several people, attacks on military and public installations, and mass arrests. Tensions peaked after the GHQ was attacked, and senior PTI leaders faced legal consequences for their involvement.

In 2024, PTI protests continued to escalate. The party held rallies in March demanding an investigation into alleged election rigging and in September, mobilized supporters for the release of Imran Khan.

Clashes between party workers and law enforcement marked these events, with significant disruptions to daily life. On October 4-5, PTI attempted to stage another protest at D-Chowk, leading to violent confrontations with security forces.

The PTI's protests are not limited to Islamabad. On October 18, 2024, the party organized demonstrations across the country in opposition to the proposed 26th Constitutional Amendment. The protests once again led to clashes with police and the imposition of Section 144 in several cities.

As the PTI prepares for another critical protest in Islamabad, tensions remain high. The government continues to enforce strict security measures to prevent violence, but the party’s defiant stance underscores the ongoing political instability in Pakistan.

A timeline of PTI marches:

• May 25-26, 2022: The "Azadi March" to Islamabad, with violent clashes and police intervention.
• October-November 2022: PTI's second long march, interrupted by an assassination attempt on Imran Khan.
• May 9, 2023: Nationwide protests following Khan’s arrest, leading to violence and attacks on military and government property.
• March 2024: PTI rallies against alleged election rigging and manipulation of results.
• September 2024: Public gathering demanding Imran Khan’s release, with clashes in Islamabad.
• October 4-5, 2024: Attempted protest at D-Chowk, leading to violent confrontations and police action.
• October 18, 2024: Protests against the 26th Constitutional Amendment, with Section 144 imposed in major cities.