Police arrest PTI leaders, workers in Karachi during pro-Imran Khan protest

Police arrest scores of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders and workers for protesting at Karachi’s Empress Market despite section 144.

As per details, the rally, which was held to demand the release of PTI's jailed leader, Imran Khan, saw several workers arrested after clashes with law enforcement.

The protest, led by PTI Sindh President Haleem Adil Sheikh, was part of the party’s ongoing campaign against Khan's imprisonment. Despite the imposition of Section 144, which prohibits public gatherings, PTI workers gathered at Empress Market in defiance of the ban.

As police began arresting protesters, PTI workers responded by throwing stones, prompting a heavy police response. Officers used baton charges and fired tear gas to disperse the crowd, turning the area into a battleground for over two hours.

"Police launched an unprovoked attack on our peaceful workers. Several of our members have been arrested," said Sheikh. "It is our right to protest, and we strongly condemn the police violence."

At least 20 PTI leaders, including MPA Rehan Bandoqudda and PTI Karachi Minority President Suleman Kanwal, were among those detained during the crackdown. Both police officers and PTI workers sustained injuries during the clashes.