KARACHI: On Sunday, two protest groups clashed with riot police in Karachi, defying Section 144, which prohibits gatherings of more than five people in the city. The protests were held in response to the killing of Dr. Shahnawaz Kunbhar, a suspect in a blasphemy case.
Members of the ‘Sindh Rawadari March’ faced off against police outside the Karachi Press Club after violating the assembly ban. Authorities reported that over 100 protesters from various factions were arrested across the city, including near key locations such as the Karachi Press Club, Metropole Hotel, and Jinnah Hospital.
Sources informed Abbtakk News that four police officers were injured during the confrontations and required hospitalization.
South Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Syed Asad Raza stated that at least 20 individuals, including women, had been detained so far. Additional police forces were deployed along all routes leading to the press club.
In a separate incident near the Governor House, police used tear gas against a religious group staging a counter-protest, prompting their rally to redirect towards the Metropole Hotel. Amid the tear gas, protesters retaliated by throwing stones, injuring two officers and reportedly setting a police van ablaze.
Furthermore, at least 27 protesters, including women, were arrested near Teen Talwar in Clifton.
Sindh Home Minister Zia ul Hasan Lanjar addressed the situation, emphasizing that the simultaneous protests organized by religious groups and civil society were in violation of the imposed Section 144. He expressed concerns about maintaining law and order following these events, noting that the protests were conducted despite prior warnings from the Karachi commissioner.
Lanjar reported that the protests resulted in injuries to police officers and damage to property. He reiterated that no one is above the law and affirmed that strict measures would be taken against those who incite violence. He also indicated that certain political organizations were attempting to disrupt peace in Karachi, especially with the arrival of delegations for the Shanghai Cooperation Conference.
Additionally, the minister confirmed that an investigation into allegations of police misconduct towards journalists and female protesters at the Karachi Press Club has been initiated, with assurances that those responsible will face consequences.
Just a day prior, the Karachi commissioner had announced a five-day ban on protests, sit-ins, and public gatherings under Section 144, citing security concerns. This prohibition is effective from October 13 to 17, as detailed in a notification from the commissioner’s office following advice from the additional inspector general in Karachi.
