KARACHI: An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Karachi has approved bail for 30 Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) members, each on surety bonds of Rs30,000.
The bail applications were reviewed in connection with a protest held in the red zone outside the Sindh Assembly.
The case, registered at Aram Bagh police station under the Anti-Terrorism Act, includes charges such as rioting, violence, interference with government duties, breach of Section 144, and other related offenses. A total of 30 individuals, including JI leaders and activists, have been named in the FIR.
According to the official complaint, approximately 300 to 325 party supporters participated in the sit-in. It was alleged that inflammatory speeches during the demonstration incited violence and chaos.
Last Saturday, police used tear gas and baton charges against JI protesters near the Sindh Assembly, resulting in multiple arrests. The situation escalated as protesters tried to breach barricades to approach the Assembly building. Authorities responded by pushing back the crowd, followed by baton charges and tear gas shelling to disperse the protesters.
During the clashes, police also seized the JI sound system truck, which was later taken into custody. The confrontation led to stone-throwing between protesters and police, causing injuries on both sides. Media personnel covering the protest faced significant disruption amid the heavy shelling.
Earlier, JI Karachi Chief Munem Zafar Khan declared that the party would escalate its resistance efforts to pressure the Sindh government into addressing Karachi’s concerns. He announced plans for 13 major public rallies across the city during Ramadan under the slogan “Let Karachi Live,” emphasizing the party’s commitment to securing the city’s rights.
