KARACHI – Clashes erupted between protesters and police in various parts of Karachi, resulting in the arrest of hundreds, including women, for violating Section 144, which had been imposed a day earlier.
Protests took place at several locations in Karachi, including the Karachi Press Club and Teen Talwar in Clifton. TV footage showed police using batons against demonstrators and making arrests.
The participants of the ‘Sindh Rawadari March’ clashed with police outside the press club after they breached Section 144, which prohibits gatherings of more than five people across the city.
Police officials reported that over 100 protesters from different groups were apprehended in various areas, including outside the Karachi Press Club, Metropole Hotel, and Jinnah Hospital.
During the clashes, four policemen sustained injuries and were transported to the hospital.
Speaking to reporters, South Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Syed Asad Raza confirmed that “at least 20 individuals have been detained so far, including women.”
Additional police personnel have been deployed along all routes leading to the press club.
In a separate confrontation near the Governor House, police fired tear gas shells at protesters from a religious organization, who were staging a counter-protest at the KPC, forcing them to redirect their rally toward the Metropole Hotel.
Amid the tear gas, protesters threw stones at riot police, injuring two officers, and reportedly set a police van on fire.
Additionally, at least 27 protesters, including women, were arrested near Teen Talwar in Clifton.
Sindh Home Minister Zia Lanjar announced that police had detained “some protesters” for breaching Section 144, which was enforced by the Karachi Commissioner.
He warned of strict action against those who “took the law into their own hands.”
The minister also confirmed that an investigation has been launched into the reported ‘manhandling’ of journalists by law enforcement at the Karachi Press Club, promising action against those responsible.
