PTI protest in Karachi triggers clashes, arrests and traffic chaos

Supporters of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) staged a protest near Fawara Chowk in Karachi to

KARACHI: Supporters of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) staged a protest near Fawara Chowk in Karachi to express solidarity with the party’s founder, leading to clashes with police and widespread traffic disruptions across the city.

According to reports, PTI workers pelted police with stones during the demonstration. In response, police used tear gas and baton charges to disperse the protesters. The unrest forced nearby businesses to shut down, while commuters and residents faced significant inconvenience.

Police detained several PTI leaders and workers, including PTI Sindh Secretary General Dr Masroor Sial.

The protest caused severe traffic congestion around Governor House, Metropole, and Shaheen Complex. Authorities closed multiple roads to traffic, including the stretch from M.R. Kiani Road to Fawara Chowk and Din Muhammad Wafai Road.

The route from Coast Guard to Regal Chowk and Sarwar Shaheed Road was also closed. In addition, the road from M.T. Khan Road towards PIDC remained blocked.

Traffic restrictions were also imposed on both tracks of Zamzama Street and Khayaban-e-Shamshir, as well as both sides of Sir Shah Suleman Road from Quba Masjid, Ghareebabad, to Liaquatabad.

Motorists were advised to use alternative routes as authorities worked to manage the situation.