INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
PPP, PTI at loggerheads after clash that turned playground into battlefieldKARACHI: Pakistan Peoples Party
(PPP) and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) now are in a verbal dispute after a clash between the activists of both the parties that turned
Hakeem Saeed playground into a battlefield over organising a rally on May 12 at the same venue.As per details, PPP and PTI workers clashed
with each other late on Monday after the local leadership of both the parties kicked off the campaign to mobilise their workers to
The leaders of the two parties were at loggerheads to hold the event at Hakeem Saeed Shaheed Ground adjacent to Urdu University, and no one
was willing to back off from their position.The clash erupted when workers of PPP and PTI came face to face and chanted slogans against each
The situation got tense after the activists pelted stones and used sticks against each other, gunshots were also fired that created panic
among the local residents of the area
Dozens of workers of both the parties were reportedly injured in the clash and several vehicles were set on fire.When police failed to
peaceful to bring the situation under control by demonstrating patience to avoid chaos
Later heavey contingent of police and rangers were called in the area to disburse the angry mob and they removed the camps of both the
parties following the directives of Interior Minister
The situation was brought under control and roads were opened for traffic.Addressing a press conference hours after clash, PPP Karachi
division President Saeed Ghani, said that they had given application to the district administration on May 4 to hold rally while PTI
approached on May 7 to organize gathering at same venue, adding that PTI was creating unnecessary controversy over the issue.While alleging
MQM for the situation, Ghani said that PTI has inherited some elements from MQM who with PTI activists injured 21 workers of PPP and torched
party had chosen the venue only after confirming from the city 's administration about its availability on May 12.However, PTI leader Ali
Lyari and different parts of the city to attack PTI workers, adding that police were supporting them.Zaidi alleged PPP leader Najmi Alam for
workers.Later, Zaidi with dozens of PTI activists approached Aziz Bhatti Police Station to lodge FIR against PPP leadership, including its
also reached the police station for registration of FIR against PTI leaders
At the police station, Amir Liaquat Hussain was manhandled by unknown elements.Firdous Shamim Naqvi, PTI Karachi division president said
that he had also phoned PPP leaders including Saeed Ghani a few days ago and took him into confidence over this issue.While police refused
