On the same day, the arrest prompted violent demonstrations across Pakistan, including at Army Headquarters and the residence of the Pakistani Army Chief of Staff in Islamabad. Demonstrators set fires and held up slogans expressing outrage at the arrest. Five police officers were injured and 43 protesters arrested. Security has been tightened nationwide, especially in Lahore, Imran Khan's hometown.

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has suspended mobile broadband services across the country and restricted access to Twitter, Facebook, or Youtube to prevent protest groups from spreading news.

The Islamabad High Court defended the arrest decision and called it "legitimate".

Earlier, the Court summoned the Director General and Prosecutor of the anti-corruption National Accountability Bureau following Imran Khan's arrest.