PTI caravan en route to capital faces police action

A caravan of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Sindh, led by provincial president Haleem Adil Sheikh, faced severe police resistance while heading towards Islamabad to participate in the announced protest. The caravan, which included leaders including party's Karachi president Raja Azhar, PTI Sindh GS Dr Masroor Sial, Karachi GS Arsalan Khalid, and DGS Sindh Rizwan Niazi, Jamal Siddiqui and others departed from Karachi early Saturday morning.

The convoy, comprising over 50 buses, 30 vans, and 100 additional vehicles, was joined by the PTI supporters from Hyderabad, Mirpurkhas, Nawabshah, Sukkur, and Larkana divisions. The caravan included members of PTI's Women Wing, Youth Wing, Insaf Lawyers Forum, and Labour Wing, alongside numerous ordinary citizens.

As the PTI caravan reached Shikarpur, police reportedly attempted to halt it. PTI officials claimed that the police opened direct fire on the vehicles, bursting the tyres of at least five buses. Over 10 workers were injured in the police action, and more than 100 workers were detained by Shikarpur police.

PTI Sindh president Haleem Adil Sheikh strongly criticised the police for allegedly opening fire on the party's peaceful caravan. He stated, "The police fired directly at our vehicles and burst tyres. We are proceeding peacefully on the call of our leader, but Zardari's police have stopped us unjustly."

Sheikh emphasised the determination of the caravan, saying, "We have donned shrouds and are not afraid of death. We will ensure the fulfillment of all demands, including the freedom of our leader Imran Khan, with the strength of the people."

He highlighted the peaceful nature of the protest, stating, "Citizens from across the country are marching toward Islamabad with their rightful demands. However, fascist and illegal governments, such as those installed under Form 47, are resorting to violence against peaceful citizens. If any of our workers are harmed, the responsibility will rest on the current rulers."

Sheikh reiterated PTI's resolve to reach the capital, saying, "The entire nation is on a mission to reach D-Chowk.