Opposition parties staged a protest outside the Sindh Assembly on Saturday, alleging rigging in the general elections. During the demonstration, police arrested 10 workers of Qomi Awami Tehreek. The oath-taking ceremony for the newly elected members of the Sindh Assembly, is holding today. The provincial administration has imposed section 144, prohibiting gatherings, rallies, or protests. Despite this, rival political parties, including the Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA), Jamat e Islami (JI), and Jamiat e Ulema Islam Fazl (JUI-F), violated the order and protested against alleged rigging on the eve of the ceremony. To quell the protest, the police resorted to baton charges outside the Sindh Assembly, deploying water cannons and prisoner vans.

Caretaker Governor Sindh issued directives for strict legal action against violence and unrest. At the Karachi Toll Plaza, JUI General Secretary Arshad Mehmood Soomro and party workers were halted by the police. Soomro demanded the right for a peaceful protest and sit-in. The District East police closed Shahrah-e-Faisal on FTC, redirecting traffic towards Kaala Pull. Shahrah-e-Faisal Nursery was heavily guarded by a significant police presence, resulting in a complete traffic jam and roadblocks. Highways were strategically blocked using containers to prevent potential security threats and mishaps.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)