The PTI leadership strongly condemned the arrest, calling the move by Pakistani law enforcement a 'rise of fascism'.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, PTI members took to the streets in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Karachi, and Peshawar to protest.

Police had to use tear gas to disperse crowds on the streets, and arrested nearly 1,000 protesters in Punjab province.

Violent protests left at least 8 people dead and 130 policemen injured. 25 police vehicles were set on fire and 14 government buildings were looted.

Pakistan's military said in a statement that it would "respond sternly" if there were any further attacks on military or law enforcement agencies, or on state institutions or property. The Pakistani government on Wednesday authorized the military to help quell the riots.

The same day, Deputy UN spokesperson Farhan Haq said UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged all parties in Pakistan to refrain from violence and asked authorities in Pakistan to respect due process and the rule of law in any proceedings brought against Imran Khan.  

The US, UK, and Canada have issued a travel alert for its citizens and diplomats in Pakistan. The UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has recommended that UK citizens avoid political demonstrations, crowded public areas, and large-scale events and remain flexible in their plans.

Canada has warned its citizens and diplomats against all travel in Pakistan due to the “unpredictable security situation”.

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan was arrested in Islamabad on Tuesday on multiple corruption charges related to the 2019 Al-Qadir Trust case, which reportedly caused a loss of 190 million pounds to the national exchequer.