PTI workers detained after clashes near Bagh-e-Jinnah ahead of public rally

KARACHI: Police detained more than 30 Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers on Sunday after clashes erupted at Numaish Chowrangi and near Bagh-e-Jinnah ahead of the party’s scheduled public rally.

Police officials said the arrests were made after protesters allegedly assaulted a policeman during the disturbance. Detained workers were shifted to a prisoners’ van following their arrest at the intersection.

Videos circulating on social media showed protesters stopping a police vehicle and pelting it with stones near Bagh-e-Jinnah. Police responded by firing tear gas to disperse the crowd. Separate scuffles were also reported at the VIP gate of Mazar-e-Quaid, where PTI workers clashed with law enforcement personnel.

Police said action would be taken against individuals identified as being involved in stone-pelting and violence.

The PTI is scheduled to hold a power show at Bagh-e-Jinnah later in the evening after obtaining a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the Sindh government. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi had earlier announced the rally as a “historic” public gathering during his three-day visit to Sindh.

On Saturday, Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said the NOC was issued with strict conditions, making the organisers fully responsible for law and order. He said speeches against the country or state institutions, sectarian remarks, and provocative language would not be allowed.

Earlier today, CM Afridi alleged that roads were blocked and obstacles were created during his return journey from Hyderabad to Karachi. In a video statement, he said he had reached Karachi and confirmed that the rally would go ahead.

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A PTI spokesperson said CM Afridi had departed for the gathering along with senior party leaders, including PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja and Sindh president Haleem Adil Sheikh. The rally is expected to pass through various routes in the city before concluding at Bagh-e-Jinnah.

Meanwhile, Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar warned that strict action would be taken if any gathering was held outside the designated venue or on city roads. He added that the district administration reserved the right to cancel permission on security grounds.

Separately, Sindh Local Government Minister Nasir Hussain Shah offered logistical support to the PTI, including chairs and containers, while Sindh Culture Minister Zulfiqar Ali criticised the party, claiming it had “started the drama” after realising it lacked sufficient workers for the public rally.