Anti-inflation protest descends into chaos

Police seal roads around KPC, detain 15 PTI workers and supporters

KARACHI:

An anti-inflation protest by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and allied groups descended into chaos on Sunday as police sealed key roads around the Karachi Press Club, clashed with demonstrators, and detained 15 activists, including women and former lawmakers. The crackdown disrupted traffic, forced temporary closure of nearby markets, and drew sharp criticism from journalists and political leaders over restrictions on press freedom and the handling of dissent.

Police and city administration placed containers on major routes leading to the press club - including Fawara Chowk, Zainab Market, and corridors from Arts Council to Saddar - effectively blocking access. The move not only disrupted traffic but also restricted journalists' movement, forcing many to rely on a single entry point via YMCA, where heavy police deployment controlled access through identity checks.

The Karachi Press Club condemned the closures, calling them a serious obstruction to press freedom and professional duties. In a statement, its leadership demanded immediate restoration of access, warning that continued restrictions would compel further action.

The protest, organised by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and allied groups, could not proceed as planned outside the press club due to the blockades. Instead, party workers gathered at Fawara Chowk, where police began detentions. The situation briefly subsided before escalating again, as a larger crowd reassembled and clashes broke out.

According to officials, some protesters resorted to stone-pelting, prompting police to respond with baton charges and tear gas. The ensuing chaos forced temporary closure of nearby markets, including Zainab Market, while traffic in surrounding areas came to a halt.

Police confirmed the arrest of more than 15 individuals, including former MNA Alamgir Khan and several women activists, who were shifted to nearby stations. Authorities maintained that the measures were necessary to maintain law and order, noting that no group had obtained formal permission for the protest.

PTI leaders, however, strongly condemned the crackdown, terming it an attempt to suppress peaceful political expression. Party representatives alleged excessive force, including violence against women protesters, and demanded the immediate release of detained workers.

Despite the restrictions and arrests, PTI supporters later regrouped in nearby areas and continued demonstrations against inflation, chanting slogans against the government.

Officials said the situation was eventually brought under control, with traffic and commercial activity returning to normal. However, the sequence of events has intensified debate over governance, civil liberties, and the handling of dissent in the city.