Altaf helped diffuse clashes between PTI, MQM workers: Imran

PTI will hold rally in Karachi on April 19

KARACHI: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan kick-started on Thursday his party's election campaign for by-polls in Karachi's NA-246 constituency.

He arrived in Karachi on Wednesday night, and was meant to address his supporters at Jinnah Ground on Thursday; however, a clash between PTI and Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) workers broke out as the rally approached the venue.

Imran left for Islamabad after a brief address to his workers in city's Karimabad area.



7:00pm: 'MQM workers did not even have stick in their hands'

MQM leader Farooq Sattar strongly rejected PTI’s claims that his party workers created disturbance during Imran Khan's rally in Karachi.

“My workers did not even have a stick in their hands,” he said while addressing a press conference.

He said Imran Khan’s decision not to say prayers at the MQM martyrs memorial was not influenced by the 'small-scale incident' between mischief-makers, adding that the atmosphere of trust between the two parties should continue.

“We wanted them to visit Nine Zero as well, where we had prepared a scrumptious meal, as well presents,” said Sattar.



6:30pm: MQM chief offers gifts to the Imran and Reham Khan





5:00pm: Altaf Hussain diffused situation, Imran says

Addressing the media at the airport, the PTI chairman said, “I welcome MQM chief Altaf Hussain’s statement, diffusing the situation.”

"We were a little disappointed with the clashes and want Altaf Hussain and the police to take strict action against [the perpetrators]," he adds.

Referring to the formation of the judicial commission, Imran said, "I congratulate all those who participated in the sit-in and all those who came to my rally in Karachi."

Confident his rally in Karachi on April 19 will be a success, the PTI chairman said, "Jinnah Ground is too small for PTI's tsunami."



Express News screengrab



4:30pm: At least six injured as PTI convoy meets accident

At least six people were injured when PTI chairman's convoy collided with police vehicles near Dalmia, our correspondent Faraz Khan reports.



4:00pm: Imran Khan leaves for Islamabad

Meanwhile, PTI chairman has left for the airport, Express News reports.





3:55pm: PTI, MQM workers clash at Karimabad

Once again, clashes have erupted between PTI and MQM workers in Karimabad this time.

To avoid any untoward incident, heavy contingents of police and water canons have been summoned.



3:00pm: Imran addresses workers at Karimabad

Addressing workers in Karimabad, the PTI chief says, “I want to thank the people of Karachi".

“I congratulate Imran Ismail for making people of Karachi fearless,” he adds.

Further, Imran says that while he’s glad MQM chief Altaf Hussain welcomed him to Karachi, he's upset PTI workers were attacked.

“When you told us you’ll welcome us, then why did you attack us?”

“What kind of a welcome is this?” Imran further asks.

Imran urges his workers to remain patient. “We will end this tryranny,” he adds.

"We

"I thank Reham Khan for coming to Karachi as an example for women that they have the same place in Naya Pakistan."

The PTI chairman announces they will hold a rally in Karachi on April 19.



2:52pm: Imran Khan reaches Karimabad election camp

Imran Khan reaches Karimabad election camp, Express News reports.

Imran Khan's wife, Reham Khan is also accompanying him.



2:48pm: Situation calms down at Jinnah Ground 

According to Express News, after the PTI chairman left the venue, the situation calmed down at Jinnah Ground as only MQM workers were left behind.



2:40pm: The clash was pre-planned, claims Jehangir Tareen

PTI secretary general Jehangir Khan Tareen said MQM should control its workers.

“This was pre-planned, as soon as our cars left, they attacked the last of the vehicles

” Tareen said, while speaking to Express News.

“They are doing what they have always done but we will not back-off.”



2:30pm: Imran Khan leaves Jinnah Ground

Following the clash between his and MQM workers, the PTI chairman has left Jinnah Ground, Express News reports.

MQM leaders Farooq Sattar, Haider Abbas Rizvi and Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui were present at Jinnah Ground to welcome the PTI chairman.



2:00pm: MQM, PTI workers clash

As PTI's rally reached Jinnah Ground, a scuffle broke out between MQM and Pti workers.



10:00am: Imran Khan kicks off election campaign for NA-246 by-polls

Kick-starting Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) election campaign for by-polls in NA-246 constituency, party chief Imran Khan will address his supporters at Karachi's Jinnah Ground, Express News reported on Thursday. 

A huge number of PTI supporters, along with Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) workers and their leaders, Haider Abbas Rizvi and Farooq Sattar are already present at the venue to welcome Imran.

Later on, a scuffle broke out between workers from both parties while the MQM leadership met with Imran Khan on the premises.

Express News screengrab.

MQM chief Altaf Hussain told his workers to show restraint.

Imran makes his way through the crowds. Express News screengrab.

Earlier, addressing the media, Imran said anyone can campaign as a part of a democratic system.

Earlier yesterday, the PTI chief had arrived in Karachi and was warmly welcomed by his party workers. Imran stayed at his friend's residence before leaving for Karimabad.

His wife, Reham Khan, has also arrived in Karachi to join him in electioneering.



Speaking to the media outside Jinnah International Airport, she said she will continue supporting her husband.

"There is no no-go area in Pakistan for Imran," Reham said, adding that “every Pakistani has the right to move freely in the country.”

Read: I don't need anyone's invitation to visit Karachi: Reham Khan

“It's our duty to be with our voters,” the wife of PTI chairperson said.

Strict security arrangements have been made to make sure PTI workers can campaign peacefully.

Imran's motorcade has caused massive traffic jam in different areas and several roads have been blocked.

The NA-246 seat had fallen vacant after MQM’s Nabil Gabol resigned after developing differences with his party. As a result, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) fixed April 23 for holding the by-polls.