A protest by the Sindh Employees Grand Alliance demanding salary and pension increases turned violent on Monday after demonstrators clashed with police while attempting to march toward Karachi’s Red Zone, following failed negotiations with the provincial government.
The demonstration began outside the Karachi Press Club, where large crowds of government employees gathered.
Tensions escalated as protesters advanced toward the restricted area, prompting police to respond with batons, tear gas, and water cannons in an attempt to disperse the crowd. Protesters retaliated by hurling stones, intensifying the unrest.
Chanting slogans against the provincial government, protesters breached barricades and staged a sit-in near the Red Zone.
Another wave of tear gas was fired, affecting nearby civilians—many of whom reported breathing difficulties. A female police officer collapsed during the confrontation and was rushed to the hospital.
In an effort to contain the protest, police set up roadblocks on major routes, including I.I. Chundrigar Road, causing massive traffic jams in the area.
Earlier in the day, access to the Press Club had also been blocked, disrupting the movement of journalists and daily commuters.
Following the clash, more than 20 demonstrators were arrested and taken to local police stations.
DIG South warned that road blockades would not be tolerated and emphasized that maintaining law and order remains a top priority.