IG Sindh appeals to protesters not to violate law, Red Zone limits

KARACHI: IG Sindh AD Khawaja and Karachi police chief AIG Mushtaq Mahar by showing serious concern at the recent unpleasant incidents of use of force between protesters and local police in Karachi, appealed the protesters not to violate the law and limits of Red Zone while protesting for their legitimate rights.

Police action upon the sugarcane growers and teachers during last two weeks in which dozens growers, male and female teachers injured and many arrested was widely criticised by opposition parties, human rights and civil society organisations, intellectuals and writers.

Human rights orgnisation Servants of Sindh (SoS) also has announced for filing of constitutional petition in the Supreme Court against the Sindh government and police authorities concerned, on the other hand PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also through his tweet by terming Sindh Police extra independent showed his concern on police action and demanded the Sindh government to protect democratic norms. Sindh IG AD Khawaja while talking exclusively with The News, said he recognise and respect rights of citizens to peaceful protests. He added that Karachi police handles at an average of 8 to 10 protests every day which are regulated smoothly every day. “I appeal to the growers and teachers’ associations interested in staging protests to exercise their legal rights to remain within the bounds of law and without causing undue inconvenience to the citizens or hindrances in the smooth flow of traffic; I expect that teachers and growers who are a source of inspiration for future generations should be cautious against exploitation by vested groups by setting exemplary conduct in respecting the law.

Meanwhile, departments concerned are also requested to give patient hearing to these associations for resolving their legitimate issues,” the IG further added.

To a question, the IG said organisers of the protests should inform the local administration and police in advance of their planned protests and the police will regulate and facilitate such peaceful protests and in return all such associations should respect the sanctity and security of Red Zone, where important buildings like superior courts, foreign missions, Governor’s House and CM House are located as such rallies and Red Zone can be targeted by terrorists for their nefarious designs.

The IG concluded that he had directed Karachi police to avoid undue use of force and coordinate with the organisers to avoid unpleasant consequences. He further stated that it is duty of every citizen to respect law and not to indulge in mayhem and unlawful assemblies in accordance with Section 144 of the CrPC when imposed by the home department.

On the other hand, Karachi Police chief Mushtaq Mahar commenting upon the situation said police use force with heavy heart when protesters try to cross all the limits. “As a police officer on behalf of my department, I respect the legitimate and constitutional right of peaceful protest of every citizen but Karachi Police is dealing with 8 to 10 protests on daily basis, some time some miscreants sabotage the situation and police have to use force,” AIG Mahar added. He concluded that police officers concerned and police stations have been directed not to use unnecessary force and coordinate with the organisers.