Karachi: The streets near the Karachi Press Club turned into a battleground today as protests led by different factions escalated into violent clashes with law enforcement. Tensions flared when the police and demonstrators from various religious groups, including Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), faced off during simultaneous protests.
At the heart of the unrest was a protest by civil society condemning the extrajudicial killing of Dr. Shahnawaz in Umerkot, who was accused of blasphemy. The protest, which had been called by civil society groups, coincided with a similar protest by Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) over the same issue, leading to a chaotic situation in and around the Karachi Press Club.
The situation worsened when clashes broke out at the Metropole Hotel between police and demonstrators. The confrontation resulted in the death of one person due to gunfire, while a police officer was injured. Enraged protesters set fire to a police mobile in retaliation. The police responded by arresting over 30 individuals for violating Section 144, which had been imposed across the city just a day prior to prevent any public gatherings.
The imposition of Section 144, which prohibits public meetings and processions, was put in place in anticipation of today’s protests. Heavy police deployment was stationed at all roads leading to the Karachi Press Club, with containers and barriers blocking access to prevent large gatherings.
Police Crackdown and Arrests
DIG South, Asad Raza, stated in a press briefing that police had arrested 20 individuals from both protest groups near the Press Club. Among those arrested were Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Ali Palh and activist Sorath Thebo. Police forces had moved swiftly to disperse protesters after violence broke out, but tensions remained high throughout the area.
Karachi Press Club Sealed Off
Karachi Press Club President, Saeed Sarbazi, expressed frustration with the police action, stating that the press club is designated as a “Hyde Park,” a zone where protests and demonstrations are traditionally allowed without restrictions. Sarbazi highlighted that despite this, police had blocked all roads leading to the Press Club and even restricted reporters and camera operators from entering the premises.
In response to the escalating violence, Deputy Commissioner South visited the Karachi Press Club and maintained that the imposition of Section 144 applied to the entire city, including the Press Club. The DC argued that in light of potential unrest and the presence of foreign dignitaries in Islamabad for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, there was a need to ensure peace across Karachi and Sindh.
Tensions and Demands Continue
Despite the deployment of over 100 police personnel, demonstrators continued to demand the release of their arrested colleagues and called for justice in the case of Dr. Shahnawaz. The situation remains tense, with further demonstrations likely as both civil society and religious groups insist on their right to protest.
Karachi’s situation, or Halaat as it is locally referred to, remains precarious, with multiple protest factions defying the imposed restrictions. The enforcement of Section 144 and heavy-handed police action has only added to the unrest in the city, where such protests often turn violent.
This latest incident highlights the volatile nature of public demonstrations in Karachi, particularly when overlapping causes bring different groups into conflict with law enforcement. Authorities have yet to confirm if further action will be taken against those violating the public order ban.