PTI, JI, GDA call off protest in Karachi announcing to observe Black Day on Feb 27

After a day of chaos, PTI, JI, and GDA called off a protest in Karachi on Saturday after announcing to observe Black Day across Sindh on Feb 27.

Earlier in the day the supporters of opposition parties including the Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA), the Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), and the Jamiat Ulema Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) staged a protest outside the Sindh Assembly, Toll Plaza Karachi and on various spots of Shahra e Faisal alleging rigging in the general elections.

On Saturday evening, addressing the media gathered at the Karachi Press Club, the leaders of the opposition said that ‘Black Day’ will be observed across Sindh on February 27, saying that the three parties would ensure full participation.

The provincial administration imposed Section 144, prohibiting gatherings, rallies, and protests across the city.

Police fired tear gas and baton-charged protesters gathered at Karachi’s Sharea Faisal thoroughfare as protesters of the JUI-F tried to make their way to the Karachi Press Club, where a sit-in has been arranged by the party against alleged rigging.

The protesters also entered the high-security red zone after pushing through barricades set up by law enforcement personnel.

The police resorted to baton-charge of the political workers outside the Sindh Assembly and deployed water cannons and prisoner vans.

Amid the protests, the caretaker Sindh governor issued directives for strict legal action against those resorting to violence and unrest.

The authorities placed containers on roads leading to the Sindh Assembly, including at Fountain Chowk, Karachi Press Club, the Arts Council roundabout and Shaheen Complex.

All routes leading towards the Sindh Assembly and Karachi Press Club were also blocked with containers placed near Urdu Bazar, the Arts Council and other roads.

Roads near Sharea Faisal, Nursery and Karsaz Road were also blocked by placing containers.

The traffic was redirected towards Kaala Pull after District East police closed Shahrah-e-Faisal amid the protests.

Nursery at Shahrah-e-Faisal was heavily guarded by a significant police presence, resulting in complete traffic jams and roadblocks.

On the other hand, at Karachi Toll Plaza, JUI-F General Secretary Arshad Mehmood Soomro and party workers were halted by police from entering the city.

Soomro demanded the right to a peaceful protest and sit-in.

While speaking to Geo News, Soomro said that the police stopped their “peaceful” procession without an order or legal notice in different areas of Karachi.

“Our mandate was stolen and we have come out to protest peacefully for it […] Supreme Court and High Court should take notice of this,” Soomro said.