Outbreak of Pakistani Protests

Date: May 9, 2023 • Location: Rome, Italy

Pakistani protests: Riots broke out following the arrest of former Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan. The 2023 Pakistan protests occurred after the Punjab Police attempted to arrest the former prime minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan, nearly one year after his removal from office. This came after Khan failed to appear before a court in relation to the Toshakhana case, leading to a non-bailable arrest warrant being issued. According to Khan, he had requested that the case be transferred to a court with "adequate" security, citing that the Interior Minister had stated his life was in danger. The climax of a series of events — including, but not limited to, Khan being charged under anti-terror laws after accusing government officials of unlawfully torturing an aide, his removal from office, and an attempt on his life five months prior — the attempted arrest led to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party workers and supporters clashing with police outside Khan's residence in Lahore, despite the arrest being called off.