KARACHI: A demonstration organized by the Sindh Employees Grand Alliance took a violent turn after discussions over salary hikes broke down.
A large crowd of government employees gathered outside the Karachi Press Club, demanding the release of pensioners’ dues, a 70 per cent increase in salaries and pensions, and a 50 per cent hike in both the Disparity Reduction Allowance (DRA) and House Rent Allowance.
A government team, which included the provincial energy minister and the city commissioner, attempted to negotiate with the protestors.
However, the talks collapsed, prompting the demonstrators to march toward the Chief Minister’s House.
In an effort to stop them, police placed barricades on roads near the press club. But the protestors pushed through and entered the Red Zone, making their way to the Polo Ground.
They were eventually forced back toward the press club, with clashes breaking out near Fawara Chowk in Saddar.
Police fired tear gas to disperse the crowd, sparking confrontations that turned the area into a scene of chaos.
The situation led to severe traffic jams, and several individuals, including a female police officer, fell sick from tear gas exposure. More than 20 protestors were taken into custody.