• Police arrested at least 200 activists of Imran Khan's party ahead of planned protests.
• The protests mark the second anniversary of Khan's imprisonment.
• Lahore is the epicenter of the demonstrations, highlighting political tensions in Pakistan.
• Government representatives labeled Khan's party a "terrorist organisation" disguised as political.
• Khan called for peaceful protests to restore democracy in Pakistan.

Police in Pakistan arrested over 200 workers affiliated with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party ahead of planned protests on Tuesday, which marks the second anniversary of their leader Imran Khan's imprisonment. The majority of the arrests occurred in Lahore, a city known for its political significance, as Khan's party intended to stage what they announced would be their "biggest demonstration" to date, according to Reuters, trtglobal, and Al Jazeera.

Despite the crackdown, PTI spokesperson Zulfikar Bukhari reassured that the protests would proceed as planned. The Lahore police had previously stated that enhanced security measures were in place in major cities to prevent unrest and maintain order, reflecting the government's apprehension over the demonstrations. Uzma Bukhari, a spokesperson for the Punjab government, claimed that "no political party can be barred from politics in Pakistan, but a terrorist organisation disguised as a political party is not allowed to disrupt Pakistan's peace," according to Reuters and Al Jazeera.

Imran Khan has been vocal from prison, urging his supporters via social media to "come out and hold peaceful protests until a true democracy is restored in the country." His political problems began after being ousted from the prime minister position in 2022, a shift that has seen him increasingly at odds with the military. His arrest earlier this year provoked widespread demonstrations against military authority, leading to numerous detentions within the party, as detailed in reports from Reuters and trtglobal.

The ongoing tensions have been compounded by recent legal challenges against members of Khan's party. Hundreds have faced convictions related to protests and political activities surrounding his controversial arrest. PTI maintains that their party, which emerged as the largest in the recent elections, is facing an electoral conspiracy to undermine its position, as stated by Al Jazeera.