A man sells vegetables at the Empress Market in Karachi, Pakistan. PHOTO: REUTERS
KARACHI:
An anti-inflation protest organized by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and allied groups descended into chaos on Sunday as police cordoned off main roads around the Karachi Press Club, clashed with demonstrators and arrested 15 activists, including women and former lawmakers. The crackdown disrupted traffic, forced the temporary closure of nearby markets and sparked sharp criticism from journalists and political leaders over restrictions on press freedom and the treatment of dissent.
Police and the municipal administration placed containers on the main roads leading to the press club – including Fawara Chowk, Zainab Market and the corridors from Arts Council to Saddar – blocking access. The move not only disrupted traffic, but also restricted journalists’ movements, forcing many to rely on a single point of entry through the YMCA, where a large 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 leaders demanded the immediate restoration of access, warning that continued restrictions would force further measures.
The protest, organized by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and allied groups, could not take place as planned in front of the press club due to blockades. Instead, party activists gathered at Fawara Chowk, where police began arrests. The situation briefly calmed before escalating again, as larger crowds gathered and clashes broke out.
According to the authorities, some demonstrators resorted to throwing stones, which prompted the police to respond with batons and tear gas. The ensuing chaos forced the temporary closure of nearby markets, including Zainab, while traffic in surrounding areas came to a halt.
Police confirmed the arrest of more than 15 people, including former MP Alamgir Khan and several activists, who were transferred to nearby police stations. Authorities maintained that the measures were necessary to maintain public order, noting that no groups had obtained formal permission to demonstrate.
PTI leaders, however, strongly condemned the crackdown, calling it an attempt to suppress peaceful political expression. Party representatives denounced excessive force, including violence against demonstrators, and demanded the immediate release of the detained workers.
Despite the restrictions and arrests, PTI supporters later regrouped in neighboring areas and continued their anti-inflation protests, chanting slogans against the government.
Authorities said the situation was eventually brought under control, with traffic and commercial activity returning to normal. However, the sequence of events has intensified the debate over governance, civil liberties and the management of dissent in the city.
