Sindh Police vs Pakistan army 

 A major crisis is brewing in Pakistan, with the police in the Sindh province putting up a determined fight against the all-powerful military for “abducting” its chief, Inspector General Mushtaq Mahar, and forcibly getting his signature on the arrest warrant of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif’s son-in-law Captain Safdar Awan (retd).

Last week, opposition parties under the banner—Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM)—kicked off nationwide protests against the government of Prime Minister Imran Khan and accused the military of interference in Pakistani politics.

Following the rally, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leader Maryam Nawaz's husband Safdar Awan was arrested from his hotel room in Karachi. Safdar, the son-in-law of three-time Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, was among those leading the protests.

Murmurs about a "civil war" have spread across Pakistan after reports suggested that Pakistan army troops had kidnapped the Sindh police chief.

Following the reports, Army Chief, General Qamar Javed Bajwa has ordered an inquiry. At the same time, visuals shared on social media suggest that violent clashes have broken out in some areas.

A blast in a building opposite Karachi University on Wednesday has only intensified the confusion on Twitter. At least three people have been killed and several others injured in the explosion.

While the nature and reasons behind the blast is yet to be ascertained, many have begun linking the two, further intensifying the Twitter outcry.

“Civil war in Pakistan. Reported clashes between Karachi Police & Pak Army,” The International Herald tweeted as it also posted a video. The report, however, haven’t been confirmed by reliable sources so far.

“Heavy fire between Pak Army and Sindh Police in Karachi after Pak Army tried to take custody of a Superintendent of Sindh Police Md Aftab Anwar. 5 Pak Army officers died in firing,” another tweet read.

The Army chief on Tuesday directed an inquiry into the circumstances to determine the facts and file a report as soon as possible, news agency PTI reported.