Post by : Badri Ariffin

Police and supporters of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) clashed near the Karachi Press Club (KPC) on Wednesday as the party held demonstrations demanding the release of its founder, Imran Khan, on the third anniversary of his arrest.

Authorities blocked major roads leading to the protest site by placing shipping containers at key intersections to stop demonstrators from reaching the venue. The restrictions led to heavy traffic congestion across central Karachi before police used tear gas to disperse protesters. Several PTI workers were also taken into custody during the operation.

Imran Khan Remains in Jail Since August 2023

Imran Khan has been in prison since August 2023 after being convicted in a corruption case. Since then, he has faced several other convictions and legal proceedings, including cases related to corruption, disclosure of official secrets and marriage laws.

Imran Khan and PTI have denied all allegations, maintaining that the cases are politically motivated and aimed at keeping him out of politics.

Roads Sealed, Traffic Disrupted Across Karachi

Police closed roads around the Karachi Press Club and nearby areas using shipping containers, making it difficult for commuters and journalists to access the area. The closures caused severe traffic jams on several major routes.

As PTI workers gathered near Fawara Chowk, police fired tear gas to disperse the crowd. Among those detained was PTI Sindh Secretary General Dr Masroor Siyal. Tear gas also affected traders, shoppers and women present in Zainab Market and nearby commercial areas.

The protest disrupted normal business activity, while traffic remained at a standstill for several hours before authorities removed the containers and reopened the roads after the demonstration ended.

PTI Observes 'Black Day' Across Pakistan

According to a PTI statement, the party observed August 5 as a nationwide "Black Day" to mark three years since Imran Khan's arrest.

The party said demonstrations were organised across Sindh, including Karachi, Hyderabad, Mirpurkhas, Nawabshah, Umerkot, Mithi, Nangarparkar, Kunri, Khipro, Sanghar, Shahpur Chakar, Pano Aqil, Ghotki, Kandhkot, Kashmore, Larkana, Shahdadkot, Dadu, Sukkur, Rohri, Daharki, Badin, Tando Muhammad Khan, Kotri, Jamshoro, Jacobabad, Border Farm and several other towns.

PTI said protesters demanded the immediate release of Imran Khan, restoration of constitutional rule, relief from inflation, the return of what the party described as the public mandate and the restoration of democracy.

PTI Accuses Police of Using Force

The party said PTI Sindh President Haleem Adil Sheikh, Karachi President Raja Azhar, Dr Masroor Siyal, Karachi Secretary General Arsalan Khalid and other leaders led supporters towards the Karachi Press Club before police blocked their route.

PTI alleged that police later used tear gas and baton charges against what it described as peaceful demonstrators on Zeb-un-Nisa Street and around Fawara Chowk, leaving several workers injured.

The party also claimed that more than 10 workers, including Dr Masroor Siyal, were arrested in Karachi. It further stated that six workers were detained in Pano Aqil and another 15 in Kandhkot, where criminal cases were also registered against them.

PTI Leaders Demand Release of Workers

While addressing supporters, Haleem Adil Sheikh said the turnout across Sindh reflected public support for Imran Khan. He demanded the immediate release of all detained PTI workers and accused the Sindh government of restricting constitutional rights.

Sheikh also alleged that Imran Khan's imprisonment had resulted in governments formed on what he called a "fake mandate" and linked it to Pakistan's political and economic difficulties.

He further claimed that police unlawfully sealed the Karachi Press Club with containers, used force against peaceful protesters, including women, and violated citizens' constitutional right to peaceful assembly. PTI said it had obtained official permission for the protest and called for the withdrawal of all cases registered against its workers.

Protest Causes Citywide Traffic Gridlock

The demonstration led to major traffic disruption across Karachi, particularly in the city's old business districts. Roads including II Chundrigar Road, MA Jinnah Road, Saddar and surrounding areas remained heavily congested, with journeys that normally take minutes extending into several hours.

Traffic problems were also reported in Hasan Square, Gharibabad, Jamshed Road, Metroville, Nazimabad and several other areas, affecting office workers and evening commuters.

Sindh Chief Minister Orders Immediate Traffic Clearance

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah took notice of the widespread traffic congestion and directed police authorities to restore traffic flow without delay.

According to an official statement, he instructed the Inspector General of Police and the Additional Inspector General of Karachi to immediately clear blocked roads. He specifically ordered priority action in Saddar, the Old City Area, MA Jinnah Road and Zainab Market.

Murad Ali Shah also ordered the deployment of additional traffic police personnel and sought a report on the measures taken to ease congestion.

"We must ensure the uninterrupted flow of traffic on the city's roads under all circumstances," the chief minister said.

#Global News #Pakistan #Global Updates #World News