KARACHI: Demonstrators from two separate groups clashed with riot police on Sunday, defying Section 144, resulting in the arrest of over 100 individuals. The protests were held in response to the killing of blasphemy suspect Dr. Shahnawaz Kunbhar.
The clashes occurred when participants of the ‘Sindh Rawadari March’ violated Section 144 by gathering outside Karachi Press Club. Section 144 bans assemblies of more than five people across the city. The police detained over 100 protesters from various locations, including the Karachi Press Club, Metropole Hotel, and Jinnah Hospital.
Four policemen were injured during the clashes and were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment, according to sources.
South Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Syed Asad Raza confirmed the arrests. “At least 20 people, including women, have been detained so far,” he said. In response to the unrest, more police forces were deployed around the press club and other key locations.
In another incident near the Governor House, police fired tear gas to disperse a religious organization holding a counter-protest near the Karachi Press Club. The protesters then moved towards Metropole Hotel, throwing stones at the police and injuring two officers. The crowd also reportedly set a police van on fire. As tensions rose, an additional 27 protesters, including women, were arrested near Teen Talwar in Clifton.
Read: Iran Launches Missiles at Israel Amid Escalating Conflict
Sindh Minister Promises Action Against Police Misconduct
Sindh Home Minister Zia ul Hasan Lanjar addressed the media regarding the situation. He confirmed that two separate protests, one by civil society and another by Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), were staged at Karachi Press Club, Teen Talwar, and Metropole Hotel, despite the imposition of Section 144.
Lanjar explained that law enforcement had concerns about maintaining peace and order, especially since the protestors had ignored the Section 144 ban issued by Commissioner Karachi. “The protestors should have followed the law, but they violated it,” he stated.
The minister revealed that the protests were over the killing of Dr. Shahnawaz Kunbhar, a blasphemy suspect. He condemned the violent acts committed by some of the demonstrators, including the injuries to two police officers and the burning of a police van. “No one is allowed to take the law into their own hands,” Lanjar said, vowing strict action against those responsible.
Lanjar also expressed concerns that political elements were behind the protests. He said these groups were attempting to destabilize Karachi at a critical time when international delegations from the Shanghai Cooperation Conference were arriving in the city. “No one will be allowed to disturb the peace and sovereignty of Pakistan,” he added.
Furthermore, the minister confirmed that an investigation had been launched into the reported mistreatment of journalists and women protesters by law enforcement officials. He promised action against those responsible for any misconduct during the protests at the Karachi Press Club.
Ban on Protests and Public Gatherings
A day before the protests, the Karachi commissioner imposed a ban on all protests, sit-ins, rallies, and public gatherings in the city under Section 144, citing security concerns. The ban, effective from October 13 to 17, was implemented following the advice of an additional inspector general (AIG) of police in Karachi. The commissioner’s office issued a notification to enforce the ban to maintain peace during the sensitive period.
Despite the restrictions, protestors took to the streets, leading to the violent clashes and mass arrests that followed.
Follow us on Google News, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook,Whats App, and TikTok for latest updates
