PTI, PPP workers clash near Bilawal House

December 29, 2013 - Updated 1430 PKT, Source

KARACHI: Workers of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) clashed near the Bilawal House here on Sunday.

Workers from both parties pelted stones at each other and Deputy Commissioner South said police had detained several individuals.

PPP workers have gathered to ensure that roads around Bilawal House remain closed, while PTI workers are demanding that they be opened. PTI leaders from Clifton and DHA have been publicly campaigning for reopening the roads closed for traffic in front of Bilawal House.

Speaking to media, PTI leader Dr Arif Alivi said his party had no reservations regarding protection for former President Zardari and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. Dr Alvi said he did not want a clash between workers. According to the PTI leader, the court had ordered that the roads near Bilawal House be opened. Dr Alvi added that the PTI workers had been attacked and police failed to act.

PPP leader Abdul Qadir Patel said PPP workers were attacked by PTI workers. He held PTI leader Dr Arif Alvi responsible for the untoward incident that took place near Bilawal House.

Meanwhile Sharmila Farooqui from the PPP said the PTI had become a party of sit-in and protests. “PPP workers know how to protect and die for the political leaders,” she added.

On Saturday night, a large contingent of riot police were deployed outside Bilawal House after PTI said it would launch a campaign to bring down the security wall. The road adjacent to Bilawal House was also opened.

It is pertinent to mention here that the Sindh High Court had ordered opening the blocked roads on September 4.