Clashes Erupt in Karachi Between Police and ‘Sindh Rawadari March’ Participants, TLP
Sindh Home Minister Zia Lanjar stated that the police had detained some protesters for violating Section 144, imposed by the Karachi Commissioner.
Clashes erupted in Karachi on Sunday at various locations between police and the ‘Sindh Rawadari March’ Participants and the religio-political party, Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) for violating Section 144 imposed a day earlier.
- Police blocked several roads in Karachi, including the Super Highway, in anticipation of protests by civil society organisations against extremism and a rally planned by the TLP at the Karachi Press Club.
- A supporter of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan was reportedly killed during clashes with law enforcement agencies at a protest against blasphemy near the Karachi Press Club on Sunday, despite a ban on public gatherings.
- In a separate incident, police arrested at least 35 individuals as they clashed with marchers from Sindh protesting the killing of blasphemy suspect Dr Shahnawaz Kunbhar and the issue of “extremism in Sindh” outside the same location for violating Section 144 of the CrPC.
As reported, protests were taking place in various areas of Karachi, including the Karachi Press Club, Metropole Hotel and Teen Talwar in Clifton.
TV footage and videos shared on social media showed police dragging and baton-charging protesters. The Police also fired tear gas at participants of the protest.
According to police officials, over 100 protesters, affiliated with separate groups, were taken into custody from different parts of the metropolis, including outside Karachi Press Club, Metropole Hotel and Jinnah Hospital.
Additionally, four police officers were injured during the clashes and have been taken to the hospital.
In a statement to journalists, South Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Syed Asad Raza reported that “at least 20 individuals have been detained so far, including women.”
Extra police forces have been stationed on all roads leading to the press club.
Earlier in the day, participants of the ‘Sindh Rawadari March’ clashed with police outside the press club after violating Section 144, which prohibits demonstrations and gatherings of more than five people throughout the metropolis.
In a separate clash near the Governor House, police fired tear gas shells at protesters from a religious organization staging a counter-protest at the Karachi Press Club, forcing them to redirect their rally towards the Metropole Hotel.
As tear gas was deployed, protesters retaliated by throwing stones at riot police, injuring two officers, and reportedly setting a police van on fire.
Additionally, at least 27 protesters, including women, were apprehended near Teen Talwar in Clifton.
Sindh Home Minister Zia Lanjar stated that the police had detained some protesters for violating Section 144, imposed by the Karachi Commissioner. He warned of strict action against individuals who “took the law into their own hands.”
The minister also confirmed that an investigation has been initiated into the reported mistreatment of journalists by law enforcement at the Karachi Press Club, promising accountability for those involved.
On the other hand, netizens shared the happenings of today’s protests on the X-platform, formerly Twitter.
سندھ کے نامور دانشوار جامی چانڈیو کی بیٹی رومیسہ کو تشدد کر کے گھسیٹ کر گرفتار کیا جا رہا ہے سندھ کی بیٹیوں کے ساتھ پڑھے لکھے لوگوں کے ساتھ پرامن انسانی حقوق کے کارکنوں کے ساتھ یے رویہ سندھ حکومت کو ڈوب مرنا چاہیے
SHAME ON YOU @BBhuttoZardari#SindhRawadariMarch pic.twitter.com/DRvHNFQe25
— Mairaj Habib (@mairajhabib2) October 13, 2024
Please share and circulate 🙏🙏@Survivin9 picked up by police along with other activists 😔
It’s request from Mustafa they are taking to Karachi artillery station
Pls everyone raise your voice for all peace activists 🙏🙏@SindhuSorath @JasmeenMeeran #SindhRawadariMarch… https://t.co/934jhVm1fw pic.twitter.com/a9ePoammaS
— Shani (@FearlessWolfess) October 13, 2024
The Protests
On Sunday, the “Sindh Rawadari March” gathered protesters outside the press club to condemn the extrajudicial killing of Dr Shahnawaz, who had been accused of sharing blasphemous content on social media and was shot dead during a police encounter in Mirpurkhas on September 19. After an investigation, Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar acknowledged that the police had “staged the encounter.”
The march showcased a coalition of progressive voices from across Sindh, including human rights advocates, trade unions, and feminist organizations, all united in their demand for justice and accountability.
Protest participants planned to march from the Teen Talwar area to the press club, receiving support from various civil society organizations, including the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, Tolerance Movement, Aurat March, Minority March, and Women’s Democratic Front.
At the same time, the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) announced its rally from Teen Talwar, directing its workers to assemble at that location. Authorities set up barriers on Shahrah-e-Faisal near the FTC and sealed off the area around Teen Talwar.
Eventually, the civil society rally succeeded in removing the obstacles and reaching the press club, where tensions escalated into a confrontation between the protesters and police.