Roadblocks, sit-ins in various areas of Karachi

KARACHI: Sit-ins in various parts of the city by a religious group continued for the second day on Sunday after the launch of an operation in Islamabad a day ago. 

Protesters are staging sit-ins at different areas of the city, including Numaish Chowrangi, Tower, Al-Asif Square, Orangi, Landhi and Hub River Road. They have also gathered at Nagan Chowrangi and Mausamiat, and have blocked roads leading to traffic difficulties for the residents. 

Jauhar Chowrangi and Punjab Chowrangi have also been occupied by protesters.

Containers have been placed on the road leading to Governor House as well as the road from Teen Hatti to Jehangir Road.

Protesters agreed to open a route from Tower leading to II Chundrigar Road after talks with Rangers, after which traffic flow from Saddar to II Chundrigar was back to normal earlier today.

Shahra-e-Faisal remains open for traffic today after it was closed till late Saturday due to protests.

Heavy traffic was seen late Saturday night at roads leading to Karimabad due to protests at Sohrab Goth. 

At least 30 people were reported injured in different incidents across Karachi on Saturday after demonstrations sprung up in response to the government's operation against protesters gathered in Islamabad.

Hospital sources confirmed 27 of the 30 people injured in different incident across the city were admitted to Jinnah Hospital, while three were admitted to the Civil Hospital.

By Saturday afternoon much of the city had come to a standstill owing to protests on the city's main artery Shahrah-e-Faisal near Star Gate, where police resorted to firing teargas shells.

Protests were also reported at Jillani centre near Tower, on Hasan Square, Shaheed-e-Millat Expressway. The sources added that protestors at Al Asif Square also severed the main road link between Karachi and Hyderabad.

Rangers deployed to ensure peace: DG Rangers

In a statement issued late Saturday afternoon, Director General of Pakistan Rangers (Sindh) Major General Muhammad Saeed said that the paramilitary force had been deployed in the metropolitan to ensure peace.

He also said that no one will be allowed to harm public property.

Train services suspended

Train services from Karachi to interior Sindh were suspended in the wake of protests across the city, which have now been restored.

Thousands remained stranded after railway services were discontinued around 1pm.