Karachi shutdown updates: Will call off protests if judicial commission formed within 48 hours, says Imran

After addressing supporters briefly, PTI chief heads back to the airport


Our Correspondents/web Desk December 12, 2014

KARACHI: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) shutdown of Karachi kicked off early Friday morning as party supporters block major roads and staged sit-ins at 10 different locations to protest against alleged rigging in 2013 general elections.

PTI chief Imran Khan is scheduled to arrive in Karachi at 2pm and address his supporters around 3pm.
Updates marked with *UGC are user generated content that cannot be fully verified.

Tweet to The Express Tribune on @etribune using the hashtag #tribunealert to be featured in our live updates. Provide as many details as possible from your location, including pictures and videos.



7:45pm

Watch drone footage from today's shutdown across the city:



…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........

6:40pm

"We decided not to bring public transport to roads after a senior PTI member threatened his party would not allow any public transport to come to roads," the city's transport union president Irshad Bokhari told AFP.

He said roads in the city had been blocked by protesters burning tyres.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........

6:10pm

Addressing supporters at Teen Talwar, PTI leader Asad Umar said, “Owing to your sacrifices, the government has decided to negotiate with us once again.”

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........

5:50pm

As Imran heads back towards the airport, supporters express anger over the short address given by the PTI chief, our correspondent Rabia Ali reports.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........

5:25pm

Imran Khan accompanied by PTI vice chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi is addressing his supporters from the top of his car.

“I foresee true democracy and a Naya Pakistan,” the PTI chairman says.

“We want a Pakistan where there is merit and leaders come to power through people’s votes.”

Further, PTI vice chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi alleged, “Electricity was shut down in Punjab so they couldn’t see the show of support for us in Karachi.”



Express News screengrab of PTI chairman Imran Khan addressing his supporters.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........

5:15pm

President of District South, Asif Khattak, reminds supporters that the venue of the protest today is the same as PTI's protest last year on May 12, our correspondent Yusra Salim reports.

Khattak also said that Karachi belongs to Imran Khan.



…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........

5:00pm

PTI chairman Imran Khan has reached Nursery, where he will address his supporters shortly.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........

4:50pm

PTI leader Arif Alvi, who is at Shahra-e-Faisal, says the shutdown is peaceful and no one was forced to shut their businesses, our correspondent Rabia Ali reports.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........

4:40pm

The truck from which Imran will address his supporters has stopped underneath Nursery Bridge. He is expected to address PTI supporters from this very location, according to our correspondent Rabia Ali.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........

4:30pm



The truck from which Imran Khan will address his supporters is currently on Shahrah-e-Faisal. PHOTO: RABIA ALI/EXPRESS

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........

4:15pm

“This is not the first time Karachi has shutdown but the first time children and women have come out to protest and this is a Naya Pakistan,” PTI leader Asad Umar said while speaking to Express News.

“People feared our protest will turn violent but it is peaceful,” he added.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........

4:12pm

Roads leading from Qayyumabad to Nursery have been cleared for traffic, our correspondent Haniya Javed reports.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........

4:04pm



PTI supporters seen on Teen Talwar near a truck from which the PTI chief will address his supporters. PHOTO: YUSRA SALIM/EXPRESS 

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........

4:02pm

At least 200 people have blocked main Sher Shah Soori Road at Five Start Chowrangi in North Nazimabad, our correspondent Ali Ousat reports.

Protesters are now heading towards Shahrah-e-Faisal.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........

4:00pm

Speaking to Express News, PTI chairman Imran Khan said, “I am hopeful that before I reach Lahore, a judicial commission will be formed.”

Responding to a question whether Karachi is the last stop for ‘Plan C,’ he said, “The plan of action depends on whether the government forms a judicial commission.”

"If the government sets up a judicial commission within the next 48 hours, I will call off my protest," the PTI chief added.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........

3:42pm

When asked about the problems being faced in Karachi, Imran Khan exclusively told The Express Tribune: "Apologies for the inconvenience, and thank you for the cooperation towards a 'Naya Pakistan'."

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........

3:33pm


PTI chief Imran Khan's vehicle flanked by his supporters soon after leaving the airport to make his way to Nursery where he will address his supporters. PHOTO: RABIA ALI/EXPRESS

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........

3:20pm

PTI leader Asad Umar has arrived at Nursery, according to Express News.

Further, according to our correspondent Rabia Ali, Imran Khan's convoy has reached Nursery where he will address his party workers in the metropolis shortly.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........

3:18pm

Filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy tweets her views on PTI's Karachi lockdown.

https://twitter.com/sharmeenochinoy/status/543346412902047744

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........

3:11pm

The sit-in at Numaish has come to an end, prompting PTI supporters to move towards Nursery to hear their party leader's address, according to our correspondent Munira Abbas.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........

3:01pm

A reader of The Express Tribune, Tanzeel Ahmad,  alerts us to happenings in the city using #tribunealert (*UGC).



…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........

2:57pm

Watch a video by our correspondent Gibran Ashraf on the situation near the Expo Centre earlier today.



…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........

2:51pm

Our correspondent Rabia Ali tells us that the PTI chief will not make a public appearance for now, and will most likely address his supporters at Nursery at about 4pm.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........

2:48pm

Imran’s convoy has reached Star Gate, Express News reports. From here, he will move to Hassan Square after which he will go to Five Star Chowrangi.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........

2:47pm

Meanwhile, here is a reader, requesting anonymity, narrating his experience during PTI’s Karachi lockdown (*UGC):
“Flight scheduled for 12:15pm to Dubai, so we left bright and early (around 8:45am) anticipating the road situation. TV channels stated that ambulances and people headed to the airport would be allowed through. However, we were forced to turn around from Qayyumabad along with the rest of the traffic.

“I doubt many passengers got through…not exactly a sign on their cars that they are headed to the airport. Airlines too show no cooperation in these situations. It's bad enough a mother misses her flight to see her son, and grandson returning from university for winter break, we have to pay cancelations charges to the airline. The only immediate ''change'' I see happening is the flight change for mum.”

Share your story with The Express Tribune using the hashtag #tribunealert on Twitter, or by emailing us at web@tribune.com.pk

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........

2:36pm

PTI leader Arif Alvi  thanked the party's supporters while addressing the media at Nursery.

"I am thankful to our supporters in Karachi, especially those who reside in Lyari," he says.

"There are no Gullu Butts in Karachi," Alvi says, adding that the Sindh government had 'shown wisdom by not creating hurdles for PTI.'

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........

2:30pm



PTI protesters gathered in Karachi at Teen Talwar . PHOTO: YUSRA SALIM/EXPRESS

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........

2:24pm

Upon arriving at the airport in Karachi, PTI chairman Imran Khan thanks residents of Karachi for shutting down the city.

“We are here to change the system so there is a democratic government who spends money on the public, so that there is merit and so that rigging is probed into.”

“I want to thank traders and labourers, because the shutdown will pressurise the government to engage in dialogue," Imran says.

Refuting reports regarding shops being shut and roads being blocked in the city, Imran says, "We did not force anyone to shutdown [the city], nor do we want violence.”

The PTI chief claims that protesting is their democratic right.

“We have been protesting for four months, and no one has the right to attack our peaceful protests.”

“They [PML-N] broke the law by unleashing their Gullus at us in Faisalabad,” Imran said while addressing the media outside the airport.

The PTI chief also says he will try to visit all the sit-ins taking place in various areas of Karachi.

In regard to the incident that occurred in Faisalabad where a PTI protester died, the PTI chief says he will address a press conference tomorrow.

"We will bring forward evidence that the men who attacked us were Rana Sanaullah’s men," he said.

Our correspondent Rabia Ali reports that the PTI chief is on his way to the sit-in taking place at Star Gate.

Watch a video of Imran Khan addressing the media outside the airport here:



…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........

2:18pm

Imran has landed in Karachi at Jinnah International Airport, but has not yet exited from the airport, our correspondent Rabia Ali reports.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........

2:13pm

Determined not to miss their flights, people can be seen walking towards the airport in the city, Express News reports.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........

2:12pm

A reader of The Express Tribune updates us using #tribunealert (*UGC)



…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........

2:09pm

Interestingly, SSP Malir Rao Anwar has arrived at the Hajj terminal with more security personnel compared to those provided to Imran, according to our correspondent Rabia Ali.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........

1:58pm

"Only three to four police vehicles have been provided to Imran Khan," says PTI leader Faisal Vadwa while speaking to the media at the Hajj terminal, our correspondent Rabia Ali reports.

"No helicopters or jammers have been provided by the Sindh government," he says, expressing concern over the inadequate security being provided to the PTI chief.

"Is this the security that is provided to the Sindh chief minister?" he asks.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........

1:55pm

PTI chief Imran Khan is scheduled to land in Karachi around 2:20pm, according to our correspondent Rabia Ali.

He is expected to address his supporters in Nursery area, Shahrah-e-Faisal.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........

1:48pm

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif showed a lack of interest in the PTI shutdown, shrugging off a question regarding the PTI protests, he choose to focus on the government's development projects in the country instead.

"Do not ask me about the protest in Karachi, who is doing it, or why they are doing it," the premier said while addressing a press conference in Peshawar.

"If you want to ask me something, ask me how many dams are being made in Pakistan."

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........

 1:31pm


A man seizes the opportunity to set up a stall selling orange juice in the midst of the blockages in Qayyumabad. PHOTO: HASSAAN KHAN/EXPRESS

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........

1:20pm

Baloch colony bridge has been opened to and from Shahrah-e-Faisal. However, the Korangi Expressway is blocked near Imtiaz Superstore, our correspondent Haniya Javed reports.

Further, the PTI chief is expected to take the route from Stargate to Native Jetty, after which he will move towards Teen Talwar, PTI worker Khursheed Khattak tells our correspondent.

The PTI worker says it is possible Imran may stop at the sit-in taking place at Kala Pul.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........

1:02pm

Residents of Karachi tell us about the situation in their area using the Twitter hashtag #tribunealert (*UGC):



https://twitter.com/tanzeelahmad/status/543306285446217728







…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........

12:30pm


PTI protesters burning tyres on Baloch Colony Flyover. PHOTO: NOMAN AHMED/EXPRESS

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........

12:11pm

Awami Muslim League (AML) chief Sheikh Rashid has arrived in Karachi, Express News reports.

“This is a successful shutdown,” the AML leader says while speaking to the media briefly upon his arrival.

Rasheed was surrounded by a large number of his supporters who were loudly chanting ‘Go Nawaz Go’.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........

12:10pm

PTI supporters set a dummy lion – PML-N party symbol - on fire on Shahra-e-Faisal.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........

11:32am

PTI supporters have blocked Native’s Jetty bridge, Karsaz bridge, University Road near Hassan Square, Qayyumabad chowrangi, Shahra-e-Faisal, Star Gate, Teen Talwar, Mai Kolachi Road, Super Highway and National Highway.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........

11:26am

PIA spokesperson says flights to and from Karachi will operate as per schedule.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........

11:18am

Karachi Commissioner Shoaib Ahmad Siddiqui says PTI had told the city administration they will wind up their protest in Karachi by sunset.

He says peace will be maintained in the city at all costs.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........

11:00am

Majority of public and private schools are closed in the city as students face difficulty to commute.

Public buses are also not seen on the roads.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........

10:30am

PTI supporters started to gather near Expo Centre at 7am. They blocked the main road and burnt tyres, disrupting traffic flow in the area, our correspondent Ismail Sheikh reports.


PTI supporters gathered near Expo Centre in Gulshan-e-Iqbal Town. PHOTO: ISMAIL SHEIKH


…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........

10:30am

PTI chief Imran Khan, while speaking to the media in Islamabad, says he wants the government to resume negotiations from the point at which they ended.

Explaining his move to shut down cities as part of his Azadi march, Imran says he apologizes for the trouble it is causing but it is necessary to put pressure on the government.

The PTI chief says he is hopeful things will remain calm in Karachi, however, he expresses fears of a repeat of Faisalabad violence during Lahore shutdown.

"PML-N will try to use its 'Gullu Butts' in Lahore but we will not be deterred," he warns.

He emphasizes his protest is peaceful and that government should not provoke violence.



…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........

10:07am

City's main road Shahra-e-Faisal blocked for traffic, disconnecting East District from Central.

In total, PTI supporters are present at 19 spots in the city, completely blocking those areas.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........

9:56am

Below is a map showing sit-in locations in the city.



…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........

9:28am

PTI protesters burn tyres to block University Road near Expo Centre.

Party leader Arif Alvi, while speaking to Express News, claims police manhandled PTI supporter near Nursery area.



…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........

7:30am

Ghumman tells our correspondent Gibran Ashraf that he and other supporters had trouble reaching Expo Centre due to blocked roads.

"We have reports that two teams, not belonging to PTI, are active in the city this morning, first telling traders to close shops and later telling them to resume activities,” he says.

The PTI leader claims one of the party supporters was picked up last night but was later freed, while another was followed by unidentified men.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........

7:20am

Our correspondent Gibran Ashraf reports that 15 PTI activists led by Ghumman arrive on motorcycles and start blocking the road. Activists park motorcycles, burn tyres and put stones to block both tracks of University Road.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........

7:10am

PTI activist Zohair near Civic Centre tells our correspondent Gibran Ashraf he has been waiting for other PTI members including area in-charge Arsalan Taj Ghumman to join him and block the road. "Even if 10 activists show up, we can block this road," he says hopefully.

Responding to a question on how PTI protest is different than that of MQM’s, Zohair says PTI does not have “that kind of power or terror”.

“I don't think they even need to show a gun to force shops to close anymore," he adds.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........



…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........

6:20am

Truck driver Aurangzaib on Korangi Road says he left Shireen Jinnah colony to go to Pipri but found himself stuck behind a long line of other vehicles. “I will try my luck to get through the blockade slowly,” he tells our correspondent Gibran Ashraf.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........

6:10am 

Our correspondent Gibran Ashraf speaks to PTI activists gathered in different parts of the city.

PTI activist near Qayyumabad roundabout says he has been in the area since midnight with just a couple of other party supporters.

COMMENTS (74)

Ebad | 9 years ago | Reply

@ Parvaiz The number of recommendations on a particular comment in this article shows that the PTI supporters hardly took any interest in this article, as the number of recommendations are usually much higher on pro-PTI comments on this website. We use social media for live updates and over there the ratio of pro-PTI and anti-PTI people is about 4:1. Yesterday, Karachi overwhelmingly supported the strike call and first time in our city we saw a peaceful shut-down. So stop fooling others, but first you must stop fooling yourself.

Rex Minor | 9 years ago | Reply

@Proud Pakistani: What exactly are you proud of Sir, might one foreigner ask this question?

Rex Minor

VIEW MORE COMMENTS
Replying to X

Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.

For more information, please see our Comments FAQ