Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan on Thursday led an election rally of the PTI candidate Imran Ismail in the National Assembly constituency NA-246 of Karachi amid scuffles between activists of both the parties, sparking tension in the area.

Imran Khan led the PTI election rally from Civic Centre for the PTI candidate Imran Ismail who is contesting by-election in NA-246 against MQM candidate Kanwar Naveed. The rally while passed through various localities of NA-246 constituency and Jinnah Ground. Karachi’s NA-246 is considered the stronghold of rival Muttahida Qaumi Movement.

The law enforcement agencies adopted stringent measures for the security of the PTI election rally led by Imran Khan. The authorities have deployed one thousand policemen across Jinnah Ground.Shahrah-e-Pakistan has also been closed for traffic and the shops and markets on the route of the procession have also been closed. Imran Khan earlier talking to media in Karachi said that the purpose of his visit to Karachi was to end the atmosphere of fear so that people could freely exercise their right to elect best representative.

Contrary of previous harsh incidents of scuffles between MQM and PTI, this time scores of MQM supporters were there to witness the spectacle beforehand and to welcome the PTI rally as Altaf Hussain instructed his party workers to do so. After a brief stay at the venue, Imran Khan left Jinnah Ground on account of the brief clash with his rally. MQM representative Dr.Farooq Sattar said that his party workers had been present to welcome PTI as per party Chief Altaf Hussain’s instructions. He said PTI did not reciprocate our warm gesture and left without letting us host them graciously. A clash erupted between supporters and activists of both parties but leaders exchanged pleasant views of each others. It was a good omen that both the parties are trying to avoid any infamous incident ahead of the by-polls in NA -246.