KARACHI, Aug 06 (Alliance News): Several leaders and supporters of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), including Sindh General Secretary Dr Masroor Sial, were arrested on Wednesday after clashes erupted between police and party workers during a protest in Karachi demanding the release of former prime minister Imran Khan.
The confrontation occurred near Fawara Chowk on Abdullah Haroon Road, where PTI supporters had gathered as part of nationwide demonstrations marking three years since the party founder’s imprisonment.
Police used batons and tear gas to disperse the protesters after they attempted to stage the demonstration. PTI workers reportedly responded by pelting police with stones, leading to the arrest of several party leaders and activists.
The clashes caused severe traffic congestion around Governor House, Metropole Hotel and Shaheen Complex, disrupting traffic on major roads. Shops in nearby commercial areas also remained closed, affecting routine business activities.
Reacting to the arrests, PTI Sindh President Haleem Adil Sheikh condemned the police action, alleging that democratic values had been undermined by the detentions.
Meanwhile, Murad Ali Shah took notice of the traffic disruption and directed the Inspector General of Police and senior traffic officials to restore the flow of traffic immediately.
According to a statement issued by the Chief Minister’s Office, additional traffic police personnel were deployed on key roads, while the DIG Traffic was instructed to personally supervise traffic management to minimize inconvenience to the public.
Imran Khan has been incarcerated since August 2023 and is facing multiple cases, including corruption and terrorism-related charges, following his removal from office through a parliamentary vote of no confidence in April 2022.
PTI has intensified its campaign for Khan’s release in recent months, particularly after the former prime minister was diagnosed with central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO), an eye condition for which he has received medical treatment at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences.
A petition seeking his transfer to Shifa International Hospital for specialized treatment was recently dismissed by the Islamabad High Court.
