Police arrest protesters ahead of oath-taking ceremony in Sindh Assembly
Pakistan
Rival political parties staged protest over rigging in Feb 8 vote
KARACHI (Dunya News) - Opposition parties staged a protest outside the Sindh Assembly, alleging rigging in the general elections.
During the demonstration, police arrested 10 workers of the Qaumi Awami Tehreek.
The oath-taking ceremony for the newly-elected members of the Sindh Assembly is being held on Saturday. The provincial administration imposed Section 144, prohibiting gatherings, rallies, and protests.
Also read: Newly-elected MPAs of Sindh Assembly to take oath today
Several parties including the Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA), the Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), and the Jamiat Ulema Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) ignored the Section 144 and protested against alleged rigging ahead of the ceremony.
To quell the protest, police resorted to baton-charge of the political workers outside the Sindh Assembly and deployed water cannons and prisoner vans. The caretaker Sindh governor issued directives for strict legal action against those resorting to violence and unrest.
At Karachi Toll Plaza, JUI-F General Secretary Arshad Mehmood Soomro and party workers were halted by police. Soomro demanded the right to a peaceful protest and sit-in.
Read more: Bilawal names Murad Ali Shah for Sindh CM slot
The District East police closed Shahrah-e-Faisal, redirecting traffic towards Kaala Pull. Shahrah-e-Faisal Nursery was heavily guarded by a significant police presence, resulting in complete traffic jam and roadblocks.
Highways were strategically blocked using containers to prevent potential security threats and mishaps.
