2023 Pakistani protests

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. The clashes, described in international media as "pitched battles" persisted for several days, led to the arrests of party workers, supporters being suppressed with tear gas and water cannons, as well as 54 police officers being seriously injured.

Seven weeks later, on May 9, 2023, Khan was arrested — immediately triggering widespread, violent unrest across Pakistan, with tens of thousands of Khan's supporters participating in riots, demonstrations, vandalism, and clashes with police officers and soldiers. With protesters alleging that Khan's arrest was a response to his anti-military stance, various military installations were targeted and attacked throughout the country. Protesters in Lahore targeted the Corps Commander House, which ultimately sustained heavy damage. The Radio Pakistan premises in Peshawar were also targeted, with protesters setting fire to the main building and destroying dozens of historical audio recordings.

On May 10, 2023 and 27 February 2025 Section 144 was imposed across the country and military deployment was ordered in an attempt to quell the rising death toll. Internet access was blocked indefinitely, with nearly 125 million people being affected by the government's decision to suspend mobile broadband and block access to social media apps. Riots subsided by May 12, with Khan being released on bail following a Supreme Court ruling that deemed his arrest unlawful.

Presently, diminished purchasing power has led to widespread protests in cities where citizens have resorted to burning electricity bills and blocking roads.