KARACHI: A day after PTI members fought with police during a rally in Teen Talwar, Karachi, a first information report (FIR) has been filed against the party.
Following the PTI leaders’ gathering in the port city in advance of the general elections scheduled for February 8, the police filed a formal complaint on behalf of the government.
According to the police officers, the party did not request permission from the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to organize its rally, as mandated by the code of conduct.
The police used tear gas, aerial shooting, and baton charges to scatter the party workers—including women—who had gathered near the major intersection, causing conflicts.
Along with the numerous arrests that came from the altercations, party workers and police also caused injuries to members of the media, one of whom was a cameraman for Geo News.
Deputy Inspector General (DIG) South Asad Raza reported that following an attack by PTI workers on the police, at least seven officers—including Boat Basin SHO—were injured.
FIR
The government’s objection has led to the filing of a formal complaint at the Frere Town Police Station. It contains a number of clauses about terrorism, vandalism, rioting, and attempted murder.
Party leaders Khurram Sher Zaman, Faheem Khan, Saeed Afridi, and Adeel Ahmed have all been named in the case, according to the FIR.
The FIR claimed that the PTI leadership and workers instilled panic in the community after “the leaders provoked the workers, after which they attacked the police party present at the spot.”
Eight police personnel, including two station house officers (SHOs), and a female policeman were also hurt during the altercation, according to the FIR. “Workers from different areas of the city gathered at Teen Talwar in the form of rallies,” said the statement.
It further stated that the PTI employees lacked legal authorization to host the demonstration.
In the meanwhile, roughly fifteen persons have been placed under arrest, and additional arrests are being made, according to the deputy inspector general of police (DIG) South.
