Karachi Protest Over Imran Khan Sparks Traffic Chaos as PTI Marks Three Years

Three years after Imran Khan was jailed, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters held protests across Karachi, several cities in Sindh and Islamabad on Wednesday. They demanded the release of the party founder. In Karachi, the demonstrations caused major traffic congestion after authorities closed roads leading to the Karachi Press Club (KPC). Thousands of commuters remained stuck for hours.

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PTI said it organised demonstrations in Karachi, Hyderabad, Mirpurkhas, Nawabshah, Umerkot, Mithi and other cities across Sindh. The party said the protests marked the third anniversary of Khan’s imprisonment.

In Karachi, PTI Sindh President Haleem Adil Sheikh led the rally alongside Karachi President Raja Azhar, Sindh General Secretary Dr Masroor Sial and Karachi General Secretary Arsalan Khalid. Party workers attempted to march towards the Karachi Press Club.

PTI claimed police blocked every route leading to the Press Club by placing containers on key roads. The party said the closures stopped protesters from reaching the venue. Supporters later gathered near Zaibunnisa Street and Fawara Chowk in Saddar, where they continued their demonstration.

The party alleged that police used tear gas and batons to disperse the crowd. PTI said several workers suffered injuries during the operation. It also claimed police arrested more than 10 workers in Karachi, including Dr Masroor Sial.

PTI further alleged that police detained six workers in Pano Aqil and another 15 in Kandhkot. According to the party, authorities also registered cases against those arrested.

Addressing supporters, Haleem Adil Sheikh demanded the immediate release of all detained workers. He called for the release of those arrested in Karachi, Pano Aqil and Kandhkot. Raja Azhar said PTI had formally requested permission to hold a peaceful protest. He alleged that police still used unnecessary force.

Sheikh also criticised the Sindh government in a post on X. He argued that the Karachi Press Club is not a restricted security zone. He said the road closures denied citizens their constitutional right to peaceful assembly.

The protest caused heavy traffic across central Karachi. Long queues of vehicles formed in Saddar and nearby commercial areas. Many commuters faced long delays during the afternoon.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah took notice of the traffic situation. He directed senior police officials to restore normal traffic without delay. He ordered extra traffic police to manage congestion and clear roads in Saddar, M.A. Jinnah Road, Old City Area, Zainab Market, Napier Road, Regal Chowk and Bolton Market.

Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar also sought a report from Karachi’s traffic police. He instructed district police to assist traffic officers. He also ordered officials to arrange alternative routes where needed and reduce inconvenience for the public.

PTI also held a rally in Islamabad on Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed Road. Islamabad Regional President Amir Mughal and Regional General Secretary Malik Amir Ali Awan led the protest. Participants carried placards and chanted slogans demanding Khan’s release. They also highlighted inflation, unemployment, law and order and the situation in Indian-administered Kashmir.

Imran Khan has remained in prison since August 5, 2023. He was first convicted in the Toshakhana case and is now serving a 14-year sentence in the £190 million corruption case, also known as the Al-Qadir Trust case. He is being held at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi.

PTI continues to raise concerns about Khan’s medical treatment and family access. His sisters regularly stage protests demanding meetings with the former prime minister. The government rejects the allegations and says Khan is receiving medical care under official procedures.