KARACHI: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers ‘provoked clashes’ on Monday after shifting their camp to Hakeem Saeed ground – venue of PPP’s upcoming rally, an inquiry into the issue revealed.
According to the inquiry, the PTI had earlier announced to hold a power-show at Mazar-e-Quaid on May 12, but ‘forcefully’ shifted its camp to Hakeem Saeed ground, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP)’s venue for a rally on the same day.
This, it added, initiated clashes between supporters of the two parties. Moreover, it was said that ‘the PTI workers threw stones at the counterparts, set PPP trucks on fire, while PTI leaders’ guards opened fire which left over 20 PPP supporters wounded.’
Taking to Twitter, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that he is willing to give up on holding a rally at Hakeem Saeed ground for the sake of the hard-earned peace in Karachi. He also invited PTI chief Imran Khan to hold the jalsa at the venue if he wishes to do so.
On Monday, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah took notice of the clashes between the PTI and PPP, saying that PPP had requested permission to hold a rally in the Hakeem Saeed ground in the city’s Gulshan-e-Iqbal locality.
“It was not okay for the PTI to forcefully occupy the Hakeem Saeed ground to conduct their politics. We have not stopped anyone from holding rallies,” Shah said.
The CM also termed it as a conspiracy to worsen the law and order situation of Karachi. “We will not allow politics being conducted through fighting or denting the city’s peace,” he stated.
