Two children, as many cops injured during New Karachi unrest

Tension gripped parts of New Karachi on Monday following a protest by a religious party that led to clashes with police, stone-pelting and brief road blockages. Two children and as many policemen were injured during the unrest, officials confirmed.

Meanwhile, reports of tension, protests, clashes with police and road blockages across the city prompted several educational institutions to close early. As a result, many parents rushed to pick up their children from schools before the scheduled closing time.

According to police, the protest erupted at multiple locations, including Sindhi Hotel, 4K Chowrangi and near Godhra Hospital, where demonstrators pelted stones at police. Two policemen suffered injuries and were taken to a hospital for medical treatment.

Police later used tear gas to disperse the crowd and brought the situation under control. During the chaos near Sindhi Hotel, two children were injured in firing. Conflicting claims emerged regarding who was responsible for the shooting, with both police and protesters blaming each other.

Police said that five suspects involved in rioting and vandalism were arrested, and the situation has since normalised. “All roads have been reopened for traffic, and the city is calm,” an official said.

Karachi police also rejected social media reports of widespread protests and sit-ins, calling them “baseless”. Officials urged residents not to pay attention to rumours, and warned that strict action would be taken against anyone violating Section 144, which prohibits public gatherings.

Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar took notice of the situation, directing authorities to remain on high alert. In a phone call to the Karachi police chief, he ordered that firm action be taken under Section 144 against those challenging the writ of law.

Lanjar also ordered that police remain vigilant across the city, keep anti-riot units on standby, strengthen operational control in sensitive areas and ensure constant monitoring of potential flashpoints. He also directed the traffic police to maintain smooth vehicle flow and extend full support to local police to prevent disruption.

According to District Central police chief Zeeshan Shafiq Siddiqui, a heavy contingent of police was deployed at key locations in New Karachi to prevent any unrest. At Sindhi Hotel police resorted to tear gas shelling after protesters engaged in stone-pelting and acts of arson.

SSP Siddiqui said police brought the situation under control, securing the areas around Sindhi Hotel and 4K Chowrangi. He added that traffic flow in all parts of New Karachi has been restored, and several individuals involved in vandalism and rioting have been arrested.

“Additional police contingents have been deployed to deal with any potential untoward situation,” he said, making the assurance that law enforcers remain on high alert to ensure peace and stability in the district.