A case has been registered against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Haleem Adil Sheikh along with more than 100 party activists following a protest in Karachi’s Red Zone that reportedly escalated into violence. Police confirmed the arrests of 24 PTI workers involved in the demonstration and rioting, including former National Assembly members Alamgir Khan and Dawa Khan.
The First Information Report (FIR) was filed at the Artillery Maidan police station on behalf of the state concerning the protest held on Sunday at Fawara Chowk. Charges listed in the FIR include violation of Section 144, vandalism, rioting, and other related offenses.
Authorities stated that approximately 150 PTI supporters gathered at Fawara Chowk under the leadership of Sheikh and began marching toward the Karachi Press Club. The protesters were reportedly carrying party flags and sticks during the march.
Despite prior notification about the enforcement of Section 144 in the Red Zone and restrictions on movement, the protesters attempted to proceed. When police intervened to stop them, the demonstrators allegedly became hostile, attacking officers with sticks and stones. In response, additional police forces were deployed, resulting in the arrest of 24 individuals while others escaped.
The protest was organized by PTI to oppose the recent hike in petroleum prices, with participants chanting slogans against the government. South Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Mahzoor Ali stated that police resorted to tear gas after protesters began throwing stones at officers. Several people, including women, were detained during the operation.
The confrontation caused panic and temporarily disrupted traffic in the vicinity. In anticipation of further demonstrations, police deployed heavy contingents at key locations such as Numaish Chowrangi, Teen Talwar Chowrangi, and Millennium Mall in Gulistan-e-Jauhar.
Notably, the surge in global oil prices triggered by the US-Israeli conflict involving Iran led the government to significantly increase petrol and diesel prices earlier this month, fueling inflation across the country. In a significant development, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced a reduction in petrol prices to Rs378 per litre for one month and cut the petroleum levy by Rs80 per litre to provide relief to the public.
