Man sells vegetables at Empress Market in Karachi, Pakistan. PHOTO: REUTERS
KARACHI:
An anti-inflation protest by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and allied groups descended into chaos on Sunday as police sealed off key roads around the Karachi Press Club, clashed with protesters and detained 15 activists, including women and former lawmakers. The crackdown disrupted traffic, forced the temporary closure of nearby markets and drew sharp criticism from journalists and political leaders over restrictions on press freedom and the handling of dissent.
Police and city administration placed containers on major routes leading to the press club — including Fawara Chowk, Zainab Market and corridors from the Arts Council to Saddar — effectively blocking access. The move not only disrupted traffic but also restricted journalists’ movements, forcing many to rely on a single entry point via the YMCA, where heavy police deployment controlled access through identity checks.
The Karachi Press Club condemned the closures, calling them a serious hindrance to press freedom and professional duties. In a statement, its leadership demanded the immediate restoration of access and warned that continued restrictions would force further action.
The protest, organized by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and allied groups, could not continue as planned outside the press club due to the blockades. Instead, party workers gathered at Fawara Chowk, where the police began arrests. The situation subsided briefly before escalating again when a larger crowd regrouped and clashes broke out.
According to officials, some protesters resorted to stone-throwing, prompting police to respond with baton charges and tear gas. The ensuing chaos forced the temporary closure of nearby markets, including the Zainab market, while traffic in the surrounding areas came to a standstill.
Police confirmed the arrest of more than 15 people, including former MNA Alamgir Khan and several women activists, who were shifted to nearby stations. Authorities maintained that the measures were necessary to maintain law and order, noting that no group had obtained formal permission for the protest.
However, PTI leaders strongly condemned the crackdown, terming it an attempt to suppress peaceful political expression. Party representatives alleged excessive force, including violence against women protesters, and demanded the immediate release of detained workers.
Despite the restrictions and arrests, PTI supporters later regrouped in nearby areas and continued anti-inflation demonstrations, chanting slogans against the government.
Officials said the situation was eventually brought under control and traffic and commercial activity returned to normal. However, the course of events has intensified the debate about governance, civil liberties and the handling of dissent in the city.
