Clashes broke out between police and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters in Karachi on Wednesday after the party’s protest marking three years since the arrest of its founder and former prime minister Imran Khan turned violent.

Police fired tear gas shells and carried out a baton charge to disperse protesters after they attempted to move forward during the demonstration.

Protesters responded by pelting stones at police, prompting authorities to detain several PTI leaders and workers.

The protest was held near a private shopping mall in Saddar, where PTI supporters gathered in response to the party’s nationwide call for demonstrations on August 5.

The unrest caused severe traffic disruption around the Karachi Press Club, Governor House and Metropole, with congestion reported on surrounding roads.

According to police, the situation escalated after protesters were stopped from advancing towards restricted areas.

Following the clashes and arrests, the demonstrators dispersed.

PTI had announced countrywide protests to mark the third anniversary of Imran Khan’s arrest.

As part of the campaign, the party also organised a public gathering in Peshawar and rallies in Lahore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Multan, Quetta and other cities.

Imran Khan was arrested on August 5, 2023, from his Zaman Park residence in Lahore shortly after a sessions court sentenced him to three years in prison in the Toshakhana case.

He was initially shifted to Attock Jail, where he remained for around six weeks, before being transferred to Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi on September 26, 2023, following orders from the Islamabad High Court and for security reasons.