Imran vows to turn Karachi into 'city of peace'

KARACHI: A political rally led by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan was held in Karimabad area of Karachi on Thursday to campaign for the upcoming by-election in the NA-246 constituency.

Imran was visiting different areas of the NA-246 constituency, with wife Reham Khan accompanying the cricketer-turned-politician during the rally.

A large number of supporters were accompanying the PTI chairman’s convoy, which earlier went to Jinnah Ground where Khan paid his respects at the martyrs’ memorial.

Speaking to a crowd of workers gathered at Karimabad, Khan questioned the MQM’s welcome of the PTI at Jinnah Ground, where things turned sour when a scuffle broke out among MQM and PTI workers as soon as the PTI chairman’s vehicle left.

“What kind of welcome was this? I regret that when we left, our workers were beaten with sticks. I ask Altaf Hussain: you say such sweet words and on the other hand your workers beat our supporters?” he said while addressing workers from the roof of his vehicle in Karimabad.

Khan urged PTI workers to stay peaceful and to avoid any confrontation.

“We will have to unite and create a city of peace – a city of lights. Expatriates will return to the country and invest in the economy. I tell my youth to be patient. The day is not far when this reign of terror ends,” said the PTI chairman.

Following the rally, Imran and Reham visited the residence of Nazia Rabbani where arrangements had been made for lunch.

Two cars in Imran’s convoy involved in traffic accident

Two cars in PTI Chairman Imran Khan's convoy were involved in a traffic accident en-route to the Jinnah International Airport.

The first accident involved a vehicle deployed for Nadra Akmal Leghari’s security when it toppled over. A guard was injured in the accident.

The second accident involved the vehicle of PTI leader Faisal Vawda.

PTI, MQM workers clash in Karimabad

After Imran Khan’s address and departure from Karimabad, workers from the MQM and PTI clashed in the area. A heavy contingent of police arrived in the area to avoid any untoward incident. Police said they had provided fool-proof security along the entire route of the rally.

Scuffle at Jinnah Ground

Khan earlier visited Azizabad, where several MQM leaders greeted him and welcomed him to Jinnah Ground.

Also see: MQM leaders welcome Imran Khan to Azizabad

The atmosphere, though, soon turned sour after his departure as workers from the PTI and MQM clashed and hurled slogans against each other.

However, the police were quickly able to separate both sides.

Imran welcomes Altaf’s statement

Speaking to reporters earlier today before leaving Karsaz where he was staying, Imran said he welcomed Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain’s recent statement.

Altaf Hussain “has created an atmosphere of peace with his statement,” he said, adding that it would be beneficial for Pakistan if the by-poll is held in a positive environment.

“The people of Karachi are tired of living in fear. We are contesting the by-election to end this atmosphere of terror in Karachi,” he said.

Also read: I am here to break the shackles of fear, claims PTI chief

The planned route for the PTI chairman’s rally had been put under strict security by the police, with bomb disposal squad having swept the area for explosives. Entry roads had also been sealed with buses and trucks blocking exits.

Shops remained closed in Karimabad's mobile market, Meena Bazaar and Faisal Bazaar, with police saying that they had been shut down due to security concerns.

Here to support Imran, says Reham


Imran’s wife Reham Khan arrived in Karachi via a PIA flight from Islamabad around 12pm.

But Imran said that he had not invited his wife to the rally and that she was coming of her own will. Reham wanted to take part in the Karachi rally herself, he said.

“I have come to Karachi to support Khan sahib,” said Reham upon her arrival in Karachi. She said she would support her husband in all his endeavors.

“If Khan sahib was playing in the World Cup or climbing the K2 mountain, I would also go there to support him,” she said.

Reham said she would go back to Islamabad with Imran, but assured that she would return to Karachi soon.

When asked about no-go areas in the NA-246 constituency Reham replied: “There are no no-go areas for Khan sahib or myself in Pakistan”.

When asked about MQM chief Altaf Hussain’s invitation to visit Azizabab, Reham said this was a sign that ‘tabdeeli’ (change) had already arrived.

Have not sought help from anyone: PTI candidate



Speaking to reporters earlier today, PTI candidate Imran Ismail said he grateful of the welcome messages from Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain, but clarified that the party had neither sought help, nor did it require support for election campaign.

Whatever we do today or in the coming days will be our own doing, he said, adding that the party did not need any ‘support’.

“If somebody wants to help, they should keep their workers in control so that any untoward incident does not take place,” he said.