Chaos erupts in Saddar as police clash with PTI, TLP protesters

The Red Zone in District South turned into a battlefield on Friday afternoon as police clashed with protesters from political and religious parties that attempted to rally in violation of the Section 144 imposed in the city.

As police attempt to disrupt the protests, it resulted in violent confrontations, firing, teargas shelling and stone-pelting. Over 10 police officers, including three SHOs, were injured and more than 30 protesters arrested.

The protests were separately called by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP). Supporters of the two parties attempted to breach the Red Zone in defiance of the Section 144 imposed by the city administration.

This was the second time in a week that the area around the Empress Market and Karachi Press Club became epicentre of unrest. The PTI protest was called for the release of party chairman Imran Khan, judicial independence, and efforts to make amendments in the constitution. The protest was led by Sindh PTI President Haleem Adil Sheikh and other senior leaders of the party, including Arslan Khalid and Faheem Khan. Hundreds of supporters, including lawyers, women, and members of civil society, gathered at the Empress Market but were stopped by police from entering the Red Zone, sparking violent clashes.

Police resorted to teargas shelling and baton charge to disperse the protesters, which led to injuries on both sides. Among those affected were three schoolchildren returning home, who reportedly fell ill due to teargas exposure while travelling in a rickshaw. Sheikh and other PTI leaders condemned the excessive force used by the police, particularly against female protesters, vowing to continue their movement until Khan was released.

In a parallel protest near the Karachi Press Club, TLP supporters entered the Red Zone following a call to gather for the Fateha of a deceased party member. TLP leader and former MPA Qasim Fakhri was arrested by police and taken to the Preedy police station.

Chaos ensued in the area around Saddar and Regal Chowk as TLP protesters set barricades on fire and pelted law enforcers with stones, which left several cops injured. Defence SHO Ghulam Nabi Afridi, Kalri SHO Saleem Marwat and Eidgah SHO Shoaib Bangash were among the policemen who were injured.

A female constable suffered severe injuries after being accidentally run over by a police mobile during the chaos. She was rushed to a hospital with a fractured neck. Police transferred the arrested protesters to various police stations. They said they were identifying the other protesters with the help of video footage and FIRs would be registered against them. Heavy police deployment remained in place across the Red Zone, while local markets, including the electronics and mobile markets near the Empress Market, were shut down. Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hasan Lanjar commended the Karachi police, including the additional IG, South DIG and SSPs for handling the protests.

Section 144 extended

In a bid to maintain law and order, and ensure public safety, the government extended the imposition of Section 144 in Karachi for an additional two days on Friday.

A notification was issued stating that gatherings and rallies are prohibited. The restrictions specifically ban assemblies of five or more individuals, effectively preventing any rallies or demonstrations.

According to the notification, the ban will remain in effect until October 19 (today). Previously, Section 144 was enforced to be in effect from October 13 to 17.