Khan's supporters defy police brutality

Police detain 20-plus PTI leaders, fire tear gas amid overwhelming protest turnout

KARACHI:

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) staged a protest demonstration at Empress Market, led by PTI Sindh President Haleem Adil Sheikh, demanding the release of party chairman Imran Khan.

However, with Section 144 being enforced, a heavy police contingent was deployed to prevent the protest. Police attempted to thwart the protest with teargas shelling and baton charge, arresting several party workers and leaders.

The protest severely affected ordinary citizens. Teargas caused immense distress to women, children, shopkeepers, and pedestrians.

Upon PTI workers' arrival at Empress Market, police began arresting party workers, leading PTI supporters to pelt stones at police. Police responded with baton charge and intense teargas shelling, transforming the area into a battleground. Clashes between police and PTI workers persisted for two hours.

The tense situation led to the closure of shops around Empress Market, the commercial and shopping hub of the metropolis.

The violent police crackdown left numerous participants, including women, unconscious. The police also baton-charged the protestors and arrested more than 20 PTI leaders, including MPA Rehan Bandukda, PTI Karachi Minority Wing President Suleman Kanwal, and Youth Leader Meraj Shah.

Speaking at the protest, Haleem Adil Sheikh strongly condemned the police crackdown.

In remarks to the media, Sheikh expressed concern over the increasing restrictions on press freedom, stating, "It's alarming that our times are marked by teargas and media suppression, rather than constructive engagement with the press. A media blackout is being imposed." Criticising the provincial government, he added. "The Sindh government has once again shown its fascist and oppressive face." Sheikh further remarked, "The rule of law and supremacy of the constitution have eroded in this country. Pakistan cannot function without the release of Imran."