PTI workers mark Imran's birthday

Police deny party claims that several workers taken into custody during the protest

KARACHI:

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) staged a protest in Karachi on Friday, bringing traffic to a standstill near Millennium Mall in Gulistan-e-Jauhar. Party workers blocked both sides of the road, causing major disruption to vehicles heading from the National Stadium side towards Jauhar.

According to a traffic police spokesperson, traffic was diverted from Shan-e-Mughalia cut towards Dalmia to ease congestion. Traffic police personnel were deployed at the scene and tried to manage the flow of vehicles during the demonstration.

PTI workers said they had gathered to mark their leader's birthday and to reaffirm their commitment to his release. "We want to send a message that we will not forget our leader and will continue raising our voices until he is free," protesters told reporters.

Heavy contingent of police also reached the protest site and attempted to disperse the demonstrators. According to video footage released by PTI, several workers were taken into custody during the protest, though police have yet to officially confirm or deny the arrests.

The road was reopened for traffic after the protesters dispersed, restoring normal flow in the area.