Karachi, Pakistan – Web Desk: A session of the Karachi City Council descended into chaos on Friday after heated arguments between government and opposition members escalated into physical clashes inside the council hall.
The meeting, chaired by Murtaza Wahab, the mayor of Karachi, witnessed severe disorder as council members pushed and punched each other, while shouting and verbal abuse echoed across the hall.
Mayor Wahab repeatedly appealed to members to take their seats and restore order, but both opposition and treasury benches ignored the calls, leading to prolonged disruption.
The confrontation reportedly began when a member of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, identified as Taimur, stood in front of the mayor’s dais and began delivering a speech. The mayor asked him to return to his seat before speaking, but the member instead took out his mobile phone and began recording a video.
During the exchange, a member of the Pakistan Peoples Party allegedly pushed the PTI member, triggering a scuffle that quickly spread across the hall as lawmakers from both sides became involved in the altercation.
Despite repeated appeals from some council members, including transgender representatives of the council, the clashes continued for several minutes.
Opposition parties including Jamaat-e-Islami, PTI members, and others traded accusations with treasury members from the PPP and the Pakistan Muslim League (N).
Amid the turmoil, government members proceeded with legislative business and managed to pass a total of 14 resolutions during the session. These included nine items listed on the official agenda and five additional resolutions.
Earlier in the session, the council unanimously adopted a resolution condemning recent U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran and expressing concern over civilian casualties. The resolution described the attacks as a violation of international law and urged global powers to help stop the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Another resolution expressed condolences over a major fire incident at Gul Plaza in Karachi, which reportedly resulted in the deaths of more than 80 people and destroyed around 1,200 shops.
Council members also offered prayers for victims of the Iran strikes and the Gul Plaza tragedy.
During the session, a resolution was also approved to rename the Five Star Chowrangi flyover in North Nazimabad after Shaheed Najeeb Ahmed in recognition of his democratic struggle.
Several council members, including PPP parliamentary leader Karamullah Waqasi, opposition leader Saifuddin Advocate, and PTI parliamentary leader Muhammad Nauman, spoke on the resolutions during the session.
