Imran Khan Jail Sentence Sparks Mass Security Deployment in Rawalpindi

Police in Rawalpindi moved into high alert on Saturday after Imran Khan called for nationwide protests. The former Pakistan prime minister urged supporters to take to the streets after he received a 17-year jail sentence in a corruption case. Security teams spread across key areas in the city to stop unrest. The call for demonstrations came from a message posted on Khan’s X account. He remains held at Adiala Jail.

Officials said the move was needed to prevent violence. According to Reuters, police were told to guard major roads and government sites. The order came hours after Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi were sentenced in the Toshakhana 2 case.

Imran Khan Jail Sentence Prompts Heavy Police Presence

Police deployed more than 1,300 officers across Rawalpindi. Officers included superintendents, deputy superintendents, inspectors, and constables. Anti-riot teams and Elite Force units also joined the deployment. The Express Tribune said patrols were ordered to stay active through the night.

The Toshakhana 2 case involves alleged misuse of state gifts. The court said Khan and his wife broke rules in handling gifts from Saudi Arabia in 2021. Khan has denied all charges. He said the verdict was rushed and unlawful. He told his lawyers to appeal the ruling in a higher court.

Khan has been in jail since August 2023. He claims he is being kept in harsh conditions. He said there is no access to books, television, or open meetings. His team says the ban goes beyond normal jail policy. Khan again blamed senior military leaders for his arrest. But he also said the army remains an institution he respects.

Police have set up 32 check posts across Rawalpindi. Elite Force commando units patrol main routes. Officers are equipped with rubber bullets and tear gas launchers. The goal is to stop crowds from forming without warning. No major clashes were reported during the first day of deployment.

Impact of the Imran Khan Verdict on Pakistan’s Political Climate

The sentence deepens Pakistan’s political divide. Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party still has strong support in many cities. His arrest has fueled anger among younger voters. Analysts say protests may grow if his party pushes for more rallies.

The unrest comes as another protest movement rises. Jamaat-e-Islami held rallies in Punjab against a new local government law. Police were also deployed for those gatherings. Crowds stayed peaceful, but the tension added pressure on security forces already stretched across the province.

The case also affects Pakistan’s legal and political timeline. With elections approaching, Khan’s sentence could block him from returning to political office. His lawyers say they will challenge the judgment in the high court. They argue that due process was not followed. Khan says the decision is part of a broader campaign to silence him.

The Imran Khan jail sentence now stands as one of Pakistan’s most sensitive political issues. The heavy police response shows how seriously the government views the threat of unrest. The situation may remain tense as courts hear appeals in the coming weeks.

Please note-

Q1: Why was Imran Khan jailed?

He was jailed after a court gave him 17 years in the Toshakhana 2 case. The case involved charges over state gifts. He denies the accusations.

Q2: Where is Imran Khan being held?

He is being kept at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi. He has been there since August 2023. His lawyers say he is in strict confinement.

Q3: Did protests begin after the sentence?

There were small gatherings, but police blocked major crowds. No large-scale unrest was reported. Heavy security remains in place.

Q4: Who deployed security forces?

Rawalpindi police ordered the deployment. More than 1,300 officers and anti-riot teams were sent out. Elite Force units also joined patrols.

Q5: What is the Toshakhana case?

It involves gifts given to state leaders. Rules require proper reporting and purchase procedures. The court said Khan broke those rules.