The opposition parties in Sindh ended their extensive protests against alleged rigging in Karachi on Saturday after facing aggressive police measures, including baton charges and tear gas.
The protests, led by four prominent political parties including Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA), Jamate-e-Islami (JI), and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) initially gathered momentum but eventually succumbed to police intervention.
The decision to end the protests was announced sequentially, starting with PTI, GDA, and JI, which resolved to observe a “Black Day” and stage peaceful protests on February 27 to denounce the alleged rigging that marred the February 8 polls.
Following suit, JUI-F senior leader Rashid Soomro concluded a sit-in on Shahrae Faisal, a main thoroughfare in Karachi.
Commutes in the city bore the brunt of police efforts to prevent the political parties from converging, with blockades placed along the principal artery, Sharea Faisal, and roads leading to the Sindh Assembly.
The demonstration date was strategically chosen as newly-elected provincial assembly members took their oaths and elected the speaker and deputy speaker.
As political workers, including women, gathered in various pockets to participate in the protests, law enforcement responded with tear gas and baton charges.
The clashes between the police and activists unfolded as demonstrators attempted to reach the Sindh Assembly.
Anticipating the protests, the Sindh government had imposed Section 144 in the south zone of the city on Friday to maintain security and order. The government’s notification invoked a 30-day ban on public assembly, gatherings, protests, processions, and demonstrations.
Significant disruptions ensued, with long queues of vehicles forming on Shahrae Faisal as police blocked three key spots – Baloch Colony, Nursery, and FTC – to prevent protesters from converging outside the Sindh Assembly.
Clashes intensified as law enforcement detained at least 30 protesters near the Arts Council for staging a demonstration in the Red Zone area, violating Section-144.
In response to the events, DIG South Asad Raza assured heavy police deployment on Shahrae Faisal and the closure of both tracks near Nursery, Metropole, and FTC. Barriers were strategically placed around the Sindh Assembly, further restricting access.
