KARACHI: The opposition parties, PTI, Jamaat-e-Islami and Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA), have called off their joint protest in Karachi, organised against alleged rigging in the recently-held general elections 2024.
Addressing the media gathered at the Karachi Press Club, the leaders of the opposition parties announced plans to observe ‘Black Day’ across Sindh on February 27, saying that the three parties would ensure full participation.
Speaking on the occasion, JI Karachi Ameer Hafiz Naeemur Rehman said that the peaceful resistance will be “proof of our success”, vowing to free the city from occupation mafia.
He urged the party workers and protestors to return to home peacefully, while regretting the ‘police behaviour’ with them.
Opposition parties staged a protest outside the Sindh Assembly on Saturday, alleging rigging in the general elections. During the demonstration, police arrested scores workers of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Qomi Awami Tehreek and Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA), etc.
The police claims that the oath-taking ceremony for the newly elected members of the Sindh Assembly, was being held on Saturday and the provincial administration had imposed section 144, prohibiting gatherings, rallies, or protests.
Despite this, rival political parties, including the Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA), Jamat e Islami (JI), and Jamiat e Ulema Islam Fazl (JUI-F), violated the order and protested against alleged rigging on the eve of the ceremony.
To quell the protest, the police resorted to baton charges outside the Sindh Assembly, deploying water cannons and prisoner vans. Caretaker Governor Sindh issued directives for strict legal action against violence and unrest.
At the Karachi Toll Plaza, JUI General Secretary Arshad Mehmood Soomro and party workers were halted by the police. Soomro demanded the right for a peaceful protest and sit-in.
The District East police closed Shahrah-e-Faisal on FTC, redirecting traffic towards Kaala Pull. Shahrah-e-Faisal Nursery was heavily guarded by a significant police presence, resulting in a complete traffic jam and roadblocks.
Highways were strategically blocked using containers to prevent potential security threats and mishaps.
