A clash erupted between participants of a nationalist party rally and police on Sharea Faisal on Sunday. Protesters attacked police officers with sticks, injuring the Saddar SHO and South SSP’s guard. They also damaged three police vehicles.
The rally was organised by the Jeay Sindh Qaumi Mahaz (JSQM) against the plan to construct canals on the Indus River. When the protesters reached near the FTC Building, police stopped them from entering the Red Zone.
This led to tensions between the protesters and police. The situation caused severe traffic congestion near Baloch Colony, with long queues of vehicles forming on the road. The participants of the rally refused to take the alternative route suggested by the police, insisting on marching through the restricted area. In response, law enforcement set up barricades near Gora Qabristan.
As tensions rose, some protestors clashed with South SSP Mehroz Ali and his team, engaging in physical scuffles. Police officers managed to escort the SSP to safety, but the Saddar SHO and SSP’s guard Shafiq sustained injuries.
The SHO had his finger bone fractured after being struck with a stick, while Shafiq suffered a head injury. The enraged protestors also vandalised three police vehicles by hitting them with sticks.
Following the violence, a heavy contingent of police and Rangers arrived at the scene, redirecting the rally towards the Karachi Press Club via an alternative route. Security was further reinforced at the Karachi Press Club to prevent any further violence.
