2023 Pakistani protests

These protests are part of wider ongoing political unrest in Pakistan that triggered with the ouster of former Prime Minister Imran Khan from his office through a vote of No-Confidence Motion (NCM). As a result of successful NCM, Imran Khan became first Pakistani PM ever to be removed by the NCM. After ouster from office Khan alleged that he was ousted by the PDM-an alliance of 13 political parties. Leading up to these protests was the 2022 Toshakhana reference case, a Pakistani government inquiry registered against Imran Khan by the Election Commission of Pakistan.

Khan was believed to have been evading mandatory hearings appearances. As a result, the District and Sessions court of capital Islamabad issued an arrest warrant for Khan and ordered the police to arrest him so as to present him for the next hearing.{{Cite web |date=2023-03-14 |title=Imran Khan Arrest Live Updates: Police attempt to storm Khan's residence again, clashes with supporters in Lahore |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/pakistan/imran-khan-arrest-lahore-police-live-updates-pti-8496766/ |access-date=2023-03-15 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2023-03-14 |title=Imran Khan arrest: Zaman Park turns into battleground as PTI workers, police clash |url=https://www.nation.com.pk/14-Mar-2023/zaman-park-turns-into-battleground-as-pti-workers-police-clash-over-imran-s-arrest |access-date=2023-03-15 |website=The Nation |language=en}}

Khan, however, maintains the arrest is truly aimed at removing him from the upcoming national election.{{Cite web |last=Adil |first=Virginia Pietromarchi,Hafsa |title=Pakistan updates: Imran Khan says arrest aims at election removal |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2023/3/14/pakistan-live-news-police-arrive-to-arrest-ex-pm-imran-khan |access-date=2023-03-14 |website=www.aljazeera.com |language=en}}

Protests first broke out in Islamabad on Tuesday 14 March when police first decided to delay Khan's arrest. Police and party workers clashed outside of his Zaman Park residence in Lahore, and also used gas and a water cannon on supporters nearby. Police also arrested party workers.{{Cite web |title=Business News Today: Read Latest Business News, Live India Share Market News, Finance & Economy News |url=https://www.livemint.com/ |access-date=2023-03-14 |website=mint |language=en}}

The clash between PTI supporters and security forces continued for two days, during which police and Rangers repeatedly attempted to enter Imran Khan's residence with armored vehicles.{{cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/mar/15/pakistan-riot-police-fire-teargas-on-crowds-trying-to-prevent-arrest-of-imran-khan | title=Pakistan: Riot police fire teargas on crowds trying to prevent arrest of Imran Khan | newspaper=The Guardian | date=15 March 2023 | agency=Agence France-Presse | access-date=15 March 2023 | archive-date=15 March 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230315075329/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/mar/15/pakistan-riot-police-fire-teargas-on-crowds-trying-to-prevent-arrest-of-imran-khan | url-status=live }}{{cite web | url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/14/asia/pakistan-imran-khan-clashes-police-intl/index.html | title=Pakistani police fire tear gas into Imran Khan's home as defiant former leader resists arrest | website=CNN | date=14 March 2023 | access-date=15 March 2023 | archive-date=15 March 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230315075331/https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/14/asia/pakistan-imran-khan-clashes-police-intl/index.html | url-status=live }}{{cite news | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-64957293 | title=Imran Khan: Pakistan's former PM decries arrest attempt amid violence | work=BBC News | date=14 March 2023 | access-date=15 March 2023 | archive-date=15 March 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230315075331/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-64957293 | url-status=live }}

On the second day, Khan's lawyers approached the Islamabad High Court (IHC) and requested it to suspend Khan's non-bailable arrest warrants in the Toshakhana case. In a contrary decision, the high court directed the deposed prime minister's counsel to move the trial court instead, as the order for his arrest was "in line with the law".{{Cite web |title=Toshakhana case: Islamabad court rejects Imran Khan's plea seeking suspension of arrest warrant |url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/476608-toshakhana-case-police-cant-sit-idle-if-warrants-are-issued-says-judge |access-date=2023-03-16 |website=www.geo.tv |language=en}}

Imran Khan spoke to the nation via video link, urging the judiciary and establishment to put an end to the "farce" and think about the country's well-being. Imran Khan pointed out that the case against him was being heard at the F8 Katcheri in Islamabad, where explosions had occurred in the past, and that the Interior Ministry had declared his life to be in danger.

At around the same time, the Pakistani political party PTI also filed a petition in the Lahore High Court (LHC) to suspend the warrant orders. However, on 15 March 2023, the LHC ordered the police to halt their operations in Lahore's Zaman Park until March 16, despite their failure to apprehend Khan. They reasoned that an arrest would interfere with the nearby Pakistan Super League playoff match.{{Cite web |title=Zaman Park clashes: LHC directs police to stop operation till today |url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/476399-punjab-rangers-arrive-zaman-park-to-implement-imran-khans-arrest-orders |access-date=2023-03-16 |website=www.geo.tv |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Imran Khan news live: As stand-off continues, Imran Khan says plot to arrest him was hatched in London |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/imran-khan-arrest-live-updates-pakistan-tehreek-e-insaf-chairman-imran-khan-faces-arrest-march-14/liveblog/98631892.cms |access-date=2023-03-16 |website=The Times of India |date=15 March 2023 |language=en}}

The Islamabad High Court considered a plea against Imran Khan's arrest warrants and asked the PTI to remove objections from the petition. The authenticity of the PTI's footage of armed law enforcement personnel opening fire at Imran Khan's residence could not be independently verified, and it was unclear if it was from that day.

On 16 March, Khan—as the chairman of the PTI—requested again the suspension of the non-bailable arrest warrants issued in the Toshakhana case, but this request was denied again by the Islamabad District Court on March 16, 2023. Additional District and Sessions judge Zafar Iqbal announced the verdict and ordered the authorities concerned to arrest the former prime minister and present him before the court on March 18.{{Cite web |title=Toshakhana case: Imran Khan's plea seeking cancellation of arrest warrant dismissed |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1050643-toshakhana-case-imran-khans-plea-seeking-cancellation-of-arrest-warrant-dismissed |access-date=2023-03-16 |website=www.thenews.com.pk |language=en}} The Lahore High Court then duplicated its order the police postpone their attempt to detain Khan until March 17.

During the clashes on 15 March, PTI supporters threw stones at the security personnel, while police officials fired tear gas canisters at the protesters. In retaliation, PTI supporters set fire to a water tanker belonging to the Lahore Waste Management Authority, motorcycles, and other vehicles in the area. They also looted a warden's office on Mall Road.

According to Punjab Inspector General Usman Anwar, 54 policemen were "seriously injured" since the clashes started, while 32 officers received first aid from Rescue 1122. The IG clarified that all roads in Lahore were open to traffic, except those near Zaman Park, and the same was true for educational institutions in the city.

On 18 March 2023, the Punjab Police raided Khan's residence, Zaman Park.{{cite news |title=Police launch surprise 'assault' on Imran's residence |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2406802/police-launch-surprise-assault-on-imrans-residence |work=The Express Tribune |date=18 March 2023 |language=en}}{{cite news |title=Police arrest PTI workers, uproot camps in raid at Imran Khan's Zaman Park home |url=https://dunyanews.tv/en/Pakistan/708029-Police-cordon-off-Zaman-park-as-arrests-expected-in-Lahore-violence-case |work=Dunya News |date=18 March 2023 |language=en}}{{cite news |title=Punjab police says it found weapons, petrol bombs from Imran Khan's house |url=https://www.brecorder.com/news/40232160 |work=Business Recorder |date=18 March 2023 |language=en}}{{cite news |last1=Gabol |first1=Imran |title=Punjab police dismantle gate to break into Imran's house |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1743001/punjab-police-dismantle-gate-to-break-into-imrans-house |work=DAWN |date=19 March 2023 |language=en}}{{cite news |title=AK-47s, bullets recovered from Imran Khan's Zaman Park residence: police |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1051338-lahore-police-barge-into-imran-khans-zaman-park-residence |work=The News International |date=18 March 2023 |language=en}}{{cite news |last1=Sheikh |first1=Saleem |title=Weapons found at Imran Khan's Zaman Park residence during police raid |url=https://www.aajenglish.tv/news/30315315 |work=Aaj English TV |date=18 March 2023 |language=en}}{{cite news |last1=Naseer |first1=Khawaja |title=Police raid Imran Khan's Zaman Park residence |url=https://arynews.tv/several-pti-workers-arrested-in-police-operation-at-zaman-park/ |work=ARY NEWS |date=18 March 2023}} The police were granted permission by the Lahore High Court to search Khan's Zaman Park residence as part of an investigation into attacks on police units.{{cite news |last1=Lateef |first1=Samaan |title=Imran Khan's arrest warrant cancelled after police use bulldozers to raid house |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2023/03/18/police-use-bulldozers-tear-gas-break-imran-khans-house-shots/ |work=The Telegraph |date=18 March 2023}}

{{main|May 9 riots}}

The second phase of the protests was brief but marked violence and death of dozens of civilians. It was not until 7 May during a rally that Khan accused a senior ISI intelligence officer, Faisal Naseer, of orchestrating plans to murder him.{{cite news |title=Pakistan Army slams former PM Imran Khan for 'irresponsible and baseless' allegations against ISI officer |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/pakistan-army-slams-imran-khan-irresponsible-baseless-allegations-against-isi-officer-2376600-2023-05-09 |access-date=11 May 2023 |work=India Today |language=en}}{{cite news |title=Who is 'Dirty Harry', the top ISI man whom Imran Khan 'fears' |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/who-is-dirty-harry-the-top-isi-man-whom-imran-khan-fears/articleshow/100134196.cms?from=mdr |access-date=11 May 2023 |work=The Times of India |date=10 May 2023}}{{cite news |title=All about the 'Dirty Harry' ISI officer, whom Imran Khan blamed for his condition |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/imran-khan-blames-dirty-harry-brigadier-isi-officer-faisal-naseer-former-pak-pm-arrested-2377158-2023-05-10 |access-date=11 May 2023 |work=India Today |language=en}} The next day, ISPR said "irresponsible and baseless allegations" by Khan against a serving senior military officer without evidence were "extremely unfortunate, deplorable and unacceptable".{{cite news |title='Baseless' allegations by PTI chief against serving military officer 'unacceptable': ISPR |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1751602 |access-date=11 May 2023 |work=DAWN.COM |date=8 May 2023 |language=en}}

Two days later, on 9 May, Khan was arrested in Al Qadir University Case{{Cite web |date=2023-05-09 |title=Al-Qadir University Case; NAB Arrested Imran Khan – Daily Dharti |url=https://dailydharti.com/en-news/al-qadir-university-case-nab-arrested-imran-khan/ |access-date=2023-05-18 |language=en-US}} and mass protests were held nationwide in Pakistan.

After the arrest of Khan protestors alleged that Khan was arrested on the orders of Pakistan Army for his anti-military stance. Protesters started to attack various military installations across the country. The General Headquarters (GHQ) of Pakistan Army and the official residence of Corps Commander Lahore were attacked by the violent mob. In Islamabad blocked one of the main highways in and out of the capital, people also lit fires and threw stones during this early event. One person died in the locality of Quetta.

Protesters in Peshawar also set fire to the Radio Pakistan premises in protest. There were many clashes during these protests also. At around this time, the social media shutdown was authorised, impacting YouTube, Twitter and Facebook.{{Cite web |date=2023-05-09 |title=Imran Khan arrest: YouTube, Twitter, Facebook suspended in parts of Pakistan |url=https://www.businesstoday.in/latest/world/story/imran-khan-arrest-youtube-twitter-facebook-suspended-in-parts-of-pakistan-380658-2023-05-09 |access-date=2023-05-09 |website=Business Today |language=en}}

Former ministers who served in the cabinet of ex-PM Imran Khan, namely Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Asad Umar, and Fawad Chaudhry, are among those that have been arrested during the nationwide protests. The Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan, Khalid Khurshid, was placed under house arrest in Islamabad.

Authorities imposed Section 144 in all provinces of Pakistan, and the Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah requested the deployment of soldiers from the Pakistan Army in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as the police force was deemed incapable of handling the situation. As a result, 10 companies of the Army were dispatched to Punjab after the announcement was made.{{Cite web |title=Pakistan blocks social media platforms, restricts internet |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/5/9/pakistan-blocks-social-media-platforms-restricts-internet |access-date=2023-05-10 |website=www.aljazeera.com |language=en}}

However, according to reports, the Supreme Court of Pakistan has since deemed the arrest of Imran Khan as unlawful, ordering the Pakistani authorities to release him.{{cite web|title=SC Order immediate release of imran after terming arrest unlawful |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1752306/sc-orders-immediate-release-of-imran-after-terming-arrest-unlawful|date=11 May 2023|work=Dawn News}}

The army was deployed across the country as the death toll was rising in clashes between protestors and security forces.{{Cite news |first=Hannah |last=Ellis-Petersen |date=2023-05-11 |title=Pakistan: army deployed across country as unrest triggered by Imran Khan arrest continues |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/11/pakistan-army-deployed-across-country-as-unrest-triggered-by-imran-khan-arrest-continues |access-date=2023-05-11}}

On 12 May, Khan was released on bail and made his way to his personal residence on Lahore. Once out of prison he stated that "I am 100% sure I will be arrested again." and also noted that arrest warrants will be issued for his wife, Bushra Bibi, and that she too will likely be arrested.{{cite web |last1=Asrar |first1=Nadim |last2=Siddiqui |first2=Usaid |last3=Gadzo |first3=Mersiha |title=Latest Imran Khan arrest updates: Ex-Pakistan PM granted bail |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2023/5/12/imran-khan-arrest-live-news-ex-pakistan-pm-to-appear-in-court |website=Al Jazeera |access-date=12 May 2023}}{{cite web |last1=Saifi |first1=Sophia |last2=Syed |first2=Azaz |last3=Mogul |first3=Rhea |title=Former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan released on bail |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/12/asia/imran-khan-pakistan-court-army-intl-hnk/index.html |website=CNN |date=12 May 2023 |access-date=12 May 2023}} In an attempt to quell the situation, the Pakistani government shut down the rest of the internet, which failed to stifle the discontent and further fueled the protests across the country.{{cite news |last1=Mao |first1=Frances |title=Pakistan shut down the internet – but that didn't stop the protests |work=BBC News |date=12 May 2023 |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-65541769 |access-date=12 May 2023}}

Pakistani police surrounded Khan's house in Lahore on 17 May. Authorities issued a 24-hour deadline to Khan to surrender suspects, linked to the previous weeks violence, allegedly sheltered inside his home but the deadline expired without his arrest. He said he asked journalists to come to his home, which led to a de-escalation with police. "So that defused the situation because clearly there were no terrorists. So that's when the police could not take action," the former prime minister added.{{Cite web |last=Oelofse |first=Louis |title=EXCLUSIVE: Pakistan's Imran Khan fears rearrest – DW – 05/18/2023 |url=https://www.dw.com/en/exclusive-pakistans-imran-khan-fears-rearrest/a-65668829 |access-date=2023-05-18 |website=dw.com |language=en}}

• 2022 Azadi March II
• Jail Bharo Tehreek
• Huqooq-e-Sindh March
• 2023–2024 Gilgit-Baltistan Protests

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{{Imran Khan}}

{{Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf}}

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Category:2022–2023 Pakistan political unrest

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