One killed, several hurt in police crackdown on protesters in Karachi

Sindh Rawadari March were protesting against extrajudicial killing of Dr Shahnawaz Kumbhar

By News Desk
October 14, 2024
Police arrest a protest outside the Karachi Press Club (KPC) for violating Section 144 during a demonstration against the killing of Dr Shahnawaz Kunbhar on October 13, 2024. — INP
Police arrest a protest outside the Karachi Press Club (KPC) for violating Section 144 during a demonstration against the killing of Dr Shahnawaz Kunbhar on October 13, 2024. — INP

KARACHI: A man allegedly affiliated with the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) was killed and around 70 other people were arrested in Karachi on Sunday after the police took action against what were described as violators of Section 144, which had been imposed by the city commissioner to discourage protests by the Sindh Rawadari March and the TLP.

The Sindh Rawadari March condemned the extrajudicial killing of Dr Shahnawaz Kumbhar, who had been accused of sharing blasphemous posts, and protested against police inaction and rising religious extremism. To apparently counter the protest, TLP supporters held their own demonstration.

Despite the imposition of Section 144, protesters took to the streets, prompting police officials to take action against them. Clashes broke out between the protesters and the police, resulting in injuries on both sides, while a police vehicle was also set ablaze during the unrest.

Notable among those detained by the police are writer Jami Chandio, singer Saif Samejo as well as Qazi Khizer of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan.