Rawalpindi's streets turned tense as supporters of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan gathered to mark three years since his imprisonment, prompting police to fire tear gas in an attempt to disperse the crowd. Authorities had already bolstered security across the city ahead of the anniversary, anticipating the demonstration. Despite the heightened presence, clashes erupted between law enforcement and the assembled protesters. Main Developments The confrontation unfolded in Rawalpindi, where police deployed tear gas against Khan's loyalists. The demonstration was tied directly to the third anniversary of the former prime minister's incarceration, a date that has become a rallying point for his political base. Read also: Abdul El-Sayed Wins Michigan Senate Primary, Beats Stevens Witnesses described a volatile atmosphere as security forces moved to contain the gathering. The use of tear gas signaled a firm response from authorities to the unauthorized assembly. Background Imran Khan, a former cricket star turned politician, has been held in prison since August 2023. His detention followed a series of legal battles that his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, has consistently characterized as politically motivated. Anniversary gatherings have become a recurring flashpoint, with supporters using the date to demand his release. Previous years have seen similar confrontations, reflecting the enduring tension between Khan's movement and the current administration. Why It Matters The clashes underscore the persistent political instability in Pakistan, where Khan's imprisonment continues to galvanize opposition. Each anniversary protest tests the government's capacity to maintain order while managing public dissent. For Khan's supporters, the events serve as a reminder of his enduring influence despite his absence from the political stage. For authorities, they represent a recurring security challenge that shows no sign of abating. What's Next The immediate aftermath leaves questions about further unrest, particularly as Khan's legal appeals proceed. His party has vowed to keep pressing for his freedom, suggesting that similar demonstrations may occur at future milestones. Observers will watch for any escalation in the government's response or potential negotiations that could alter the current stalemate. The situation remains fluid, with no clear resolution on the horizon.