Gohar Khan, the president of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, has been released from police custody a day after being detained outside parliament, The Associated Press reports.
Khan was arrested alongside other PTI leaders who were demanding the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who remains imprisoned on corruption charges.
Islamabad police confirmed Khan’s release in a statement on Tuesday. He was arrested along with several other PTI leaders as they protested against Khan’s continued detention.
Upon his release, Khan, who is also a lawmaker, condemned the arrests as an attack on parliament. He called for an investigation by the National Assembly speaker.
“This is a clear violation of our democratic rights,” Khan said, adding that the arrests were a tactic to intimidate the opposition.
While Khan was released, 12 other PTI leaders remain in police custody, according to party spokesperson Zulfi Bukhari.
The PTI’s top leadership has condemned the arrests and vowed to continue their campaign until Imran Khan is released from prison.
Khan, who remains a popular figure despite his ouster in a no-confidence vote in 2022, was convicted last year on corruption charges. His imprisonment has sparked widespread protests and heightened political tensions in the country.
