Fawara Chowk PTI Protest Today Turns Violent as Karachi Police Arrest Top Leaders

Karachi – (Staff Reporter/Web Desk) – The Fawara Chowk PTI protest today shook parts of Karachi after police clashed with party workers demanding Imran Khan’s release. Several leaders were taken into custody during the chaos.

Among those arrested was Dr Masroor Sial, who serves as PTI’s Sindh General Secretary. He was picked up along with a number of other supporters near Fawara Chowk on Abdullah Haroon Road.

The trouble started when PTI workers gathered at the spot to mark three years since their founder’s imprisonment. Police tried to break up the crowd, and things quickly turned tense.

Officers used batons and tear gas to push the protesters back. In response, some demonstrators threw stones at police lines, leading to a chaotic scene on the road.

Imran Khan has remained behind bars since August 2023. He is facing several legal cases, including corruption and terrorism charges, following his removal from office through a no-confidence vote in April 2022.

Wednesday’s demonstration was part of a nationwide call by PTI to protest their leader’s continued detention. Similar gatherings were reported in other cities as well.

Once the clashes broke out, traffic came to a standstill in nearby areas. Roads around Governor House, Metropole Hotel, and Shaheen Complex saw major congestion for hours.

Local shopkeepers in the area chose to down their shutters during the unrest. This added further trouble for people trying to move through the busy commercial zone.

PTI’s Sindh President, Haleem Adil Sheikh, spoke out against the police response. He said the action went against democratic principles.

Meanwhile, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah stepped in after reports of the traffic mess reached him. He asked senior police officials to restore normal traffic flow without delay.

The chief minister also ordered extra traffic police to be sent to major roads across the city. He instructed the DIG Traffic to personally oversee the situation until things settled down.

This isn’t the first time PTI has pushed for Khan’s release. The movement picked up steam earlier this year after doctors diagnosed him with a serious eye condition called central retinal vein occlusion.

Khan has been shifted from Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi to Islamabad’s PIMS hospital more than once for treatment. His right eye has been the main concern behind these visits.

His legal team had also asked for him to be moved to Shifa International Hospital for specialised care. However, the Islamabad High Court turned down that request after reviewing the petition.

As tensions continue between PTI and law enforcement, today’s events at Fawara Chowk are likely to add fresh pressure on the ongoing political standoff.