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 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 harsh criticism from journalists and political leaders over restrictions on press freedom and the handling of dissent.
Police and city administration placed bins on major routes leading to the press club, including Fawara Chowk, Zainab Market and corridors from Arts Council to Saddar, effectively blocking access. The move not only disrupted traffic but also restricted the movement of journalists, forcing many to rely on a single point of entry through the YMCA, where a heavy police deployment controlled access through identity checks.
The Karachi Press Club condemned the closures, calling them a serious obstruction to press freedom and professional duties. In a statement, its leaders demanded the immediate restoration of access, warning that the continuation of the restrictions would force new measures to be taken.
The protest, organized by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and allied groups, could not take place as planned outside the press club due to blockades. Instead, party workers gathered at Fawara Chowk, where police began arrests. The situation briefly subsided before escalating again, when a larger crowd gathered again and clashes broke out.
According to officials, some protesters resorted to stone throwing, prompting police to respond with batons and tear gas. The resulting chaos forced the temporary closure of nearby markets, including Zainab Market, while traffic in surrounding areas came to a halt.
Police confirmed the arrest of more than 15 people, including former MNA Alamgir Khan and several women activists, who were shifted to nearby police stations. Authorities maintained that the measures were necessary to maintain law and order, and noted that no group had obtained formal permission to protest.
However, PTI leaders strongly condemned the crackdown, calling it an attempt to suppress peaceful political expression. Party representatives denounced excessive force, including violence against female protesters, and demanded the immediate release of the detained workers.
Despite the restrictions and arrests, PTI supporters later regrouped in nearby areas and continued demonstrations against inflation, chanting anti-government slogans.
Officials said the situation was finally under control and traffic and business activity returned to normal. However, the sequence of events has intensified debate over governance, civil liberties and the handling of dissent in the city.
