Police arrested more than 20 workers and leaders of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf for violating Section 144 of CrPC – which bars gathering of more than five people – by holding a rally at the Empress Market in Karachi’s Saddar, where they demanded the release of party founder Imran Khan.

In a separate incident, supporters of the Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan also demonstrated in the Saddar area, protesting the death of a party supporter during a rally on October 13. This protest led to clashes with police, resulting in injuries to seven officers, including a female constable.

According to police, a total of 35 individuals from both parties were arrested, including a leader from the religious party, as both groups violated Section 144.

PTI workers and leaders gathered at Empress Market after Friday prayers. Sindh President Haleem Adil Sheikh was also among the detained PTI leaders.

A press release from the PTI media cell claimed that party supporters conducted a peaceful protest at Empress Market, advocating for the release of Khan, judicial independence, and opposing unconstitutional amendments.

But the release alleged that police responded with unprovoked violence, employing excessive force and severe tear gas shelling, which resulted in many participants, including women, fainting.

The statement further claimed that police charged at the protesters with batons and arrested more than 20 PTI leaders, including MPA Rehan Bandokda, PTI Karachi Minority Wing President Suleman Kanwal, and Youth Leader Meraj Shah.