Government employees demonstrate for salary increases.
A strike by the Sindh Employees Grand Alliance escalated into violence following unsuccessful negotiations regarding salary increments. A significant assembly of employees convened outside the Karachi Press Club to protest, advocating for the disbursement of pensioners’ dues, a 70 percent augmentation in salaries and pensions, and a 50 percent increase in the Disparity Reduction Allowance (DRA) and House Rent Allowance.
A government delegation, comprising the provincial energy minister and city commissioner, attempted negotiations with the protesters; however, the discussions were unsuccessful, leading the protesters to advance towards the Chief Minister’s House.
The police attempted to obstruct them by erecting barricades on the roads surrounding the press club; however, the protesters circumvented the barriers and penetrated the Red Zone, arriving at Polo Ground. They were driven back towards the press club, as the turmoil persisted at Fawara Chowk near Saddar.
The police deployed tear gas, leading to a confrontation with protesters that transformed Fawara Chowk and adjacent areas into a battleground, causing significant traffic congestion and resulting in several individuals, including a female officer, suffering from tear gas exposure. More than 20 demonstrators were apprehended.
