KARACHI: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) held a protest at Empress Market, led by PTI Sindh President Haleem Adil Sheikh, demanding the release of party chairman Imran Khan.
In light of Section 144, a large police presence was deployed to stop the protest. Police used teargas and baton charges to disperse the crowd, arresting several party workers and leaders.
The protest significantly impacted the public, with teargas causing distress to women, children, shopkeepers, and pedestrians.
When PTI workers reached Empress Market, police began arresting them, prompting PTI supporters to throw stones. The police responded with more baton charges and heavy teargas shelling, turning the area into a battleground. The clashes between police and PTI supporters lasted for two hours.
The situation forced shops in the Empress Market area, a major commercial hub of the city, to close.
The violent crackdown left several protesters, including women, unconscious. Police baton-charged the crowd and arrested over 20 PTI leaders, including MPA Rehan Bandukda, PTI Karachi Minority Wing President Suleman Kanwal, and Youth Leader Meraj Shah.
Addressing the protest, Haleem Adil Sheikh condemned the police’s actions.
Speaking to the media, Sheikh expressed concern about increasing press restrictions, stating, “It is concerning that we face teargas and media suppression instead of constructive engagement. A media blackout is being imposed.” Criticizing the provincial government, he added, “The Sindh government has once again shown its fascist and oppressive tendencies.” Sheikh also emphasized, “The rule of law and the constitution’s supremacy are being undermined. Pakistan cannot move forward without Imran Khan’s release.”