Rawalpindi on edge after Imran Khan’s protest call as security tightens across city
Rawalpindi remained on high alert on Saturday. Authorities stepped up security after jailed former prime minister Imran Khan called for street protests. His appeal followed his reported conviction in the Toshakhana 2 corruption case. As tensions rose, police prepared for possible demonstrations by his supporters.
To begin with, officials deployed heavy security across sensitive areas. More than 1,300 police officers and security personnel took positions across the city. The move aimed to maintain law and order. Officials feared protests by workers of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, Khan’s party.
Next, senior officers supervised the operation. The deployment included two superintendents of police and seven deputy superintendents. Authorities also posted 29 inspectors and station house officers. In addition, 92 upper subordinates and 340 constables joined the force on the ground. This layered presence signaled serious concern within the administration.
Meanwhile, elite units reinforced the security grid. Seven sections of Elite Force commandos moved into key zones. Authorities also mobilised 22 Rapid Emergency and Security Operations personnel. Alongside them, 400 members of the Anti-Riots Management Wing stood ready. Together, these units prepared to respond swiftly to unrest.
At the same time, authorities faced pressure from multiple fronts. Apart from PTI, the right-wing Jamaat-e-Islami announced protests across Punjab on Sunday. The party opposed what it called the “Black Local Government Act 2025.” As a result, police extended deployments beyond Rawalpindi to prevent spillover protests.
Earlier in the day, a special court delivered a major verdict. The court sentenced Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi to 17 years in prison each. The case related to Toshakhana 2. Judges announced the verdict inside the high-security Adiala Jail. Khan has remained lodged there since August 2023.
Soon after the ruling, a message appeared on Khan’s X account. The post urged party leaders to prepare for a protest movement. It described the verdict as a “military-style trial decision.” However, uncertainty surrounded the post. Khan does not directly access social media from jail. The message also did not mention a protest date.
In the statement, Khan said he had sent instructions to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi. He called on supporters to rise for their rights. This appeal intensified fears of street mobilisation, especially in politically sensitive regions.
The Toshakhana 2 case centers on alleged misuse of state gifts. Prosecutors accused Khan and Bushra Bibi of selling gifts received from the Saudi government in 2021. These items reportedly included luxury watches and diamond and gold jewellery. Rules require officials to deposit such gifts before any sale.
Authorities filed the case in July 2024. Courts granted bail to Bushra Bibi in October 2024. Khan received bail a month later. Despite this, proceedings continued inside Adiala Jail. Both already served time due to earlier convictions in the Al-Qadir Trust case.
In its judgment, the accountability court handed down strict penalties. It sentenced the couple to 10 years under criminal breach of trust laws. It added seven years under anti-corruption statutes. The court also imposed a fine of 16.4 million Pakistani rupees on each.
After the verdict, Khan reacted sharply. He alleged mental torture and solitary confinement. He said jail authorities banned books, television, and meetings. He claimed even basic prisoner privileges remained out of reach.
Meanwhile, the government sought to clarify another issue. Officials said no restriction existed on Khan’s sons meeting him. Interior state minister Talal Chaudhry said Suleman and Kasim Khan could visit Adiala Jail if they came to Pakistan. The statement aimed to counter claims of family access limits as Rawalpindi stays tense.
