Protesters stage sit-in in Karachi 

KARACHI: After the crackdown against protestors in Islamabad began early Saturday morning, protesters have also started gathering at key points across the country including Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Mirpur Azad Kashmir, Tando Allahyar, Jacobabad, Chakwal, Sabrial, Faisalabad and Gujranwala.

In the southern metropolis, protesters that had been staging a sit-in at the Numaish Chowrangi since morning shut down the access roads and forcefully closed all the shops in the area. Meanwhile, protests have also sprung up in various other parts of the city.

Reports have confirmed protests are taking place near Jillani Centre near Tower, on Hasan Square, at Star Gate as well as in Sohrab Goth. 

Traffic Police sources have told Geo.tv that protestors have blocked the Shaheed-e-Millat Expressway. The sources added that protestors at Al Asif Square have severed the main road link between Karachi and Hyderabad.

Security officials were forced to resort to tear gas shelling to disperse protesters at Star Gate.

Earlier today, a policeman was martyred and several others injured after clashes with protesters turned violent after an operation to clear Faizabad interchange commenced early Saturday morning.

Islamabad operation: Policeman martyred in clashes with protesters

Helicopters, drones, ambulances, and prison vans on the scene; dozens of protesters detained

Heavy contingents of police, FC and Rangers have been deployed to the interchange, where they are using tear gas and water cannons to disperse the protesters after the capital was paral

ysed due to the sit-in which has been ongoing for almost three weeks.

Dozens of protesters have been detained as they continue to resist and throw stones at security officials. Over a hundred have been reported injured due to the clashes, including dozens of policemen and FC officials.

Protesters have blocked Bhara Kahu leading to Murree, and also set fire to two vehicles at Faizabad Chowk.