Battle in Karachi! Police Charged Batons on Jamaat-e-Islami Workers, Also Fired Tear Gas Shells
Protests broke out in Karachi as Jamaat-e-Islami members demanded better civic facilities and were met with police batons and tear gas.
In Karachi, one of Pakistan's largest cities, protests erupted on Saturday organized by Jamaat-e-Islami under the campaign 'Let Karachi Live', addressing the dire state of the city's roads, drainage issues, and basic civic amenities. The party called for strengthening local governance and protecting the fundamental rights of Karachi's residents. As protestors gathered outside the Sindh Assembly demanding these improvements, tensions quickly escalated when police intervened to control the situation.
As demonstrators marched towards the Sindh Assembly, a standoff occurred at barriers erected by local authorities. According to police reports, some protestors attempted to breach the Red Zone and engage in stone-throwing, prompting law enforcement to respond with tear gas and baton charges. At least ten activists were arrested during the clashes, and the party's sound equipment was confiscated. The protests not only highlighted the residents' frustrations but also raised questions about the police's response to civil dissent.
During the altercations, one Jamaat activist was injured, and several police officers also sustained wounds. The local administration deployed a heavy police presence to maintain control over the escalating situation. The incident reflects the ongoing tensions in Karachi about governance, civic rights, and the role of local authorities in responding to public grievances.