Scores arrested as PTI workers and police clash at Karachi’s Bagh-e-Jinnah

Scores of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters have been arrested after clashes broke out between the political party workers and police at Bagh-e-Jinnah ground in Karachi on Sunday following the party’s call for a public rally, Aaj News reported.

Clashes erupted around Bagh-e-Jinnah as PTI workers attempted to enter the ground, which was surrounded by law enforcers. Footage surfaced showing protesters stoning a police mobile van near Numaish Chowrangi. Police used tear gas shells to disperse political workers arriving from Soldier Bazar and initiated a series of arrests at Numaish Chowrangi.

Despite police baton-charges, a large number of workers managed to enter Bagh-e-Jinnah after the area was briefly cleared. Heavy police contingents remain deployed at Mazar-e-Quaid and surrounding areas, with several key roads leading to the venue currently blocked.

READ MORE: PTI allowed to hold rally with conditions: Sharjeel

Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, as seen in videos and pictures on PTI’s social media accounts, is leading a large convoy towards the venue of public gathering.

The development comes a day after the Sindh government granted permission to the opposition party to hold a public rally in the port city, issuing a no-objection certificate (NOC) subject to strict conditions.

Addressing the media, Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said on Saturday said the PTI would hold its rally on Sunday at Jinnah Bagh Ground in Karachi.

He said the NOC had been issued with clear terms to ensure public safety, law and order, and smooth traffic flow in the city. “The complete responsibility for maintaining law and order during the rally will rest with the organisers,” the minister said.

He added that no provocative speeches, hate speech, or sectarian remarks would be allowed during the gathering.

Memon said speeches against Pakistan or state institutions would not be permitted under any circumstances. He warned that any violation of the agreed conditions could lead to immediate action by the authorities.

The Sindh government had on January 9 announced to extend cooperation and facilitate KP CM Afridi as the latter arrived in Karachi to hold a “massive public gathering”.

In a message prior to leaving for Karachi, CM Afridi had said he was heading for Sindh with a message from his leader and PTI founding chairman Imran Khan.

He had announced that the PTI would hold a massive public rally at the Mazar-e-Quaid (Quaid’s Mausoleum) on Sunday at 4:30pm.

Protestors attack Aaj News van

During the unrest today, protesters attacked an Aaj News DSNG van outside the venue after police resorted to shelling in response to stone-pelting. The attack resulted in injuries to a female reporter and a cameraman. Sindh Interior Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar has taken notice of the incident.

According to details, enraged workers stormed the Aaj TV DSNG van while the team was performing its professional duties covering the rally. Protesters smashed the vehicle’s windows and pelted it with stones. Senior Provincial Minister Sharjeel Memon, Sadia Javed, MQM Deputy Parliamentary Leader Taha Ahmed among other assembly members, strongly condemned the violence and demanded immediate action against the perpetrators.

READ MORE: Sindh extends cooperation as CM Afridi arrives in Karachi to hold ‘massive’ power show

Interior Minister Lanjar directed the SSP East to provide an initial report on the police action. He stated that miscreants will not be allowed to sabotage law and order and instructed that those involved be identified through modern monitoring systems, arrested, and booked. He added that the Sindh government stands firmly with the journalist community.

Meanwhile, PTI Sindh spokesperson Muhammad Ali Baloch also condemned the attack, stating that the party’s workers are peaceful and no one is authorised to take the law into their own hands. He called for action against any miscreants involved in the violence.

The Karachi Press Club and Crime Reporters Association also condemned the incident of violence on media workers and sabotage of vehicle.