PTI Workers Detained After Clashes Erupt Ahead of Bagh-e-Jinnah Power Show

Several workers of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) were detained by police on Sunday following violent clashes near Karachi’s Numaish Chowrangi, ahead of the party’s scheduled public gathering at Bagh-e-Jinnah.

According to police officials, over 30 PTI activists were taken into custody after unrest broke out in the area. During the confrontation, protesters allegedly assaulted a police officer. Authorities confirmed that those detained were moved into a prisoners’ van after their arrest at the busy intersection.

Videos circulating on social media showed protesters blocking a police vehicle and hurling stones at it near Bagh-e-Jinnah. To regain control of the situation, police resorted to shelling to disperse the crowd. Additional disturbances were reported near the VIP gate of Mazar-e-Quaid, where scuffles erupted between demonstrators and law enforcement personnel.

Police officials stated that further legal action would be initiated against individuals identified in the stone-pelting incidents.

Despite the tensions, PTI is set to hold its power show at Bagh-e-Jinnah later this evening after receiving a non-objection certificate (NOC) from the Sindh government. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi had earlier announced the “historic” public gathering during his three-day visit to Sindh.

On Saturday, Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said the NOC was issued under strict conditions, emphasizing that event organisers would be fully responsible for maintaining law and order. He added that speeches against the country or state institutions would not be permitted, and the use of provocative language, objectionable content, or sectarian remarks was strictly banned.

CM Afridi, who arrived in Karachi on January 9 to begin his visit, claimed earlier on Sunday that provincial authorities attempted to obstruct his return journey from Hyderabad.

“We were deliberately pushed onto deserted roads on our way back from Hyderabad to Karachi,” CM Afridi said in a video message, adding that he had safely reached the city and that “a rally will [surely] be held”.

Meanwhile, a PTI spokesperson confirmed that the chief minister had departed for the public gathering along with senior party leaders. PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja and PTI Sindh President Haleem Adil Sheikh are also part of the delegation.

According to the spokesperson, the rally will pass through various routes in Karachi before concluding at the Bagh-e-Jinnah grounds.