Governor House siege bid foiled after clashes

Police on Saturday foiled an attempt by the Awami Raj Tehreek (ART) to stage a sit-in outside the Governor House in Karachi. The demonstrators were stopped near the Passport Office in Saddar, leading to clashes between police and protesters.

According to officials, law enforcement personnel resorted to baton charges and tear gas to disperse the crowd, taking several protesters into custody. The area reportedly resembled a battlefield during the confrontation, with demonstrators throwing stones at police, while authorities maintained heavy security deployment, including water cannons and police vans. The clashes caused severe traffic jams across Saddar and surrounding areas.

The protest was announced by ART chief Syed Khalil Ahmed in response to recent statements made by Governor Kamran Tessori. Addressing the crowd, Khalil Ahmad claimed that the governor's remarks indicated intent to divide Sindh and called on the federal government and its ally, the PPP, to intervene. He warned that any conspiracy against Sindh would not succeed and praised the people of the province for standing firm against attempts to undermine their rights and unity.

After initial clashes, the protesters announced plans to march toward the press club, prompting further confrontation with police. Law enforcement continued dispersing protesters using batons and tear gas, with several participants detained and taken to nearby police stations. The unrest disrupted businesses and caused traffic gridlocks in the area, while tear gas affected nearby residents, causing breathing difficulties for some.

South SSP Mahzoor Ali arrived at the scene and oversaw efforts to restore order and clear traffic. He stated that protesters had attempted to enter the Red Zone, prompting police action.

ART leaders condemned police actions against their peaceful demonstrators and announced plans for further protests on major highways across the province under the ongoing "Go Governor Go" campaign.