PTI protest at Karachi’s Empress Market met with police crackdown

Police resorted to baton charges and tear gas to disperse demonstrators; several workers arrested

KARACHI:

A protest led by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) at Karachi’s Empress Market descended into chaos on Friday as police resorted to baton charges and tear gas to disperse demonstrators.

The rally, which was held to demand the release of PTI's jailed leader, Imran Khan, saw several workers arrested after clashes with law enforcement.

The protest, led by PTI Sindh President Haleem Adil Sheikh, was part of the party’s ongoing campaign against Khan's imprisonment. Despite the imposition of Section 144, which prohibits public gatherings, PTI workers gathered at Empress Market in defiance of the ban.

As police began arresting protesters, PTI workers responded by throwing stones, prompting a heavy police response. Officers used baton charges and fired tear gas to disperse the crowd, turning the area into a battleground for over two hours.

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"Police launched an unprovoked attack on our peaceful workers. Several of our members have been arrested," said Sheikh. "It is our right to protest, and we strongly condemn the police violence."

The clashes caused widespread disruption in the area, with nearby shops closing as the situation escalated. Many bystanders, including women and children, were affected by the tear gas, with some requiring medical attention.

"Women and children fainted due to the excessive tear gas," Sheikh added. "We are protesting for Imran Khan’s release and the supremacy of the judiciary, and this movement will continue until our demands are met."

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At least 20 PTI leaders, including MPA Rehan Bandoqudda and PTI Karachi Minority President Suleman Kanwal, were among those detained during the crackdown. Both police officers and PTI workers sustained injuries during the clashes.

PTI leaders vowed to continue their protests, stating that their movement for Khan's release and judicial independence would not be silenced by force. "Our fight for Imran Khan’s freedom and against unconstitutional amendments will go on," Sheikh declared.