A Resilient Voice for Democracy
Dr. Yasmin Rashid, a senior leader of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), renowned gynecologist, and cancer survivor, has been incarcerated for 708 days as of July 14, 2025. Her detention, starting May 9, 2023, is tied to the violent protests that erupted following the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan. As one of the last prominent female PTI leaders still imprisoned, her case has drawn significant attention, highlighting Pakistan’s deepening political crisis. This article explores her prolonged detention, the charges against her, her conditions in jail, and her enduring impact on Pakistan’s political landscape.
Arrest and Legal Battles
Dr. Yasmin Rashid was arrested on May 9, 2023, during widespread protests triggered by Khan’s detention in the Al-Qadir Trust case. She faces multiple charges related to the May 9 riots, where PTI supporters allegedly attacked military installations, including Jinnah House in Lahore and Rawalpindi’s General Headquarters. These incidents, which left eight dead and nearly 300 injured, led to over 1,900 arrests and numerous cases against PTI leaders, with Rashid and Shah Mahmood Qureshi among the main accused. An anti-terrorism court in Lahore recorded witness statements in ten related cases in June 2025, with trials held under tight security at Kot Lakhpat Jail.
Despite acquittals for other PTI women leaders, Rashid remains detained, with supporters claiming she is targeted for her loyalty to Khan and her vocal criticism of the establishment. A July 2025 X post noted she is the only female PTI leader still imprisoned, with calls for her release citing her status as a 75-year-old cancer patient. Her health issues, including high blood pressure reported in June 2023 and ongoing cancer treatment needs, have fueled allegations of inhumane treatment.
Conditions of Confinement
Rashid’s detention at Kot Lakhpat Jail has been marked by harsh conditions. Her daughter, Khadija Shah, highlighted in June 2023 that Rashid’s blood pressure was alarmingly high, with court-ordered releases ignored. A December 2024 letter from Rashid herself, shared by PTI, described her solitary confinement and lack of adequate medical care, emphasizing her resolve despite physical and mental strain. In August 2024, supporters reported her transfer to Lahore’s Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital (SKMH) for treatment, underscoring her fragile health as a cancer survivor.
Despite these challenges, Rashid’s spirit remains unbroken. In a July 2025 statement, she declared, “We are in jails for the sake of this country, not for mines. I could go to any country for a better life, but Pakistan is my country, and I love it.” Her letter to Punjab’s Chief Minister on April 10, 2025, condemned the “fascist” governance and human rights violations, reflecting her defiance amid adversity.
Political Resilience and Advocacy
From jail, Rashid has co-signed open letters with PTI leaders like Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Senator Ejaz Chaudhry, Omar Sarfraz Cheema, and Mian Mahmoodur Rasheed, demanding fresh, free, and fair elections to address Pakistan’s instability, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. These letters, released in July 2025, criticized the federal government’s failure to counter terrorism and strained relations with Afghanistan, urging a unified strategy against external threats.
Rashid has also advocated for political dialogue, emphasizing in a July 2025 letter that negotiations, with access to Imran Khan, are essential to resolve Pakistan’s political and constitutional crisis. She reiterated PTI’s commitment to democracy, accusing the ruling coalition of undermining the 2006 Charter of Democracy. Her October 2024 X post described her as a “doctor, mother, philanthropist, and mentor,” jailed for supporting Khan’s vision of genuine democracy.
Public and Party Support
Rashid’s detention has sparked outrage among PTI supporters, with X posts amplifying her plight. A January 2025 post urged collective action for her release, noting her lack of a dedicated social media team. Another, from July 2025, called her detention a public interest issue, highlighting her age and health. PTI’s broader campaign, including a July 2025 protest led by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, underscores the party’s resolve to challenge the government, with Rashid’s case as a rallying point.
The party’s “White Paper on Economic and Governance Crisis (2022-2025)” praised Rashid’s resilience against “fascism,” accusing the government of targeting her and other leaders to suppress dissent. Her role as a senior PTI figure and her professional background as a gynecologist who served Pakistan’s healthcare system have made her a symbol of sacrifice, with supporters noting her choice to stay in Pakistan despite opportunities abroad.
Implications for Pakistan
Dr. Yasmin Rashid’s 708 days in jail reflect the broader crackdown on PTI, which has faced arrests, media restrictions, and electoral setbacks since Khan’s 2022 ouster. Her detention, alongside leaders like Qureshi, highlights the military-backed government’s efforts to neutralize opposition, raising concerns about democratic erosion. The United Nations and international observers have flagged similar detentions as arbitrary, echoing PTI’s claims of political victimization.
Rashid’s unwavering stance, as expressed in her letters and statements, underscores her role as a moral and political force within PTI. Her calls for dialogue and elections, combined with her refusal to bow to pressure, position her as a key figure in Pakistan’s fight for democratic restoration. As PTI gears up for protests post-Muharram 2025, her case will likely remain a focal point, testing the government’s tolerance for dissent and the public’s demand for justice.
Conclusion
Dr. Yasmin Rashid’s 708 days in jail encapsulate the personal and political toll of Pakistan’s turbulent climate. As a cancer survivor enduring solitary confinement and health challenges, her resilience embodies PTI’s broader struggle against perceived oppression. Her letters from Kot Lakhpat Jail, advocating for elections and dialogue, resonate with supporters who see her as a beacon of hope. As Pakistan navigates economic hardship and political instability, Rashid’s imprisonment remains a stark reminder of the cost of dissent and the enduring fight for democratic ideals.
