According to authorities, at least 24 PTI workers were arrested during the crackdown, including former members of the National Assembly Alamgir Khan and Dawa Khan.
Police said the FIR was lodged at Artillery Maidan police station on behalf of the state over Sunday’s protest at Fawara Chowk. The case includes charges of violating Section 144, vandalism, rioting and other related offences.
Officials stated that around 150 PTI workers had gathered under the leadership of Sheikh and attempted to march towards the Karachi Press Club. Protesters were reportedly carrying party flags and sticks.
Authorities added that participants had been informed about the imposition of Section 144 in the Red Zone and restrictions on movement. However, when stopped, the protesters allegedly became agitated and attacked police personnel with sticks and stones.
Additional police contingents were deployed, and action was taken to disperse the crowd. While 24 individuals were taken into custody, several others managed to escape.
According to South SSP Mahzoor Ali, police used tear gas after protesters allegedly resorted to stone-pelting. Several individuals, including women, were detained during the operation.
The protest caused panic in the area and disrupted traffic flow for some time. Security had already been heightened at key نقاط including Numaish Chowrangi, Teen Talwar and Millennium Mall amid fears of wider demonstrations.
The protest was organised by PTI against the recent surge in petroleum prices, which followed a sharp rise in global oil rates linked to the ongoing Middle East conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
