Lyari residents' protest against Rangers comes to an end

The protesters retreated after PPP leader Abdul Qadir Patel negotiated with the Deputy Commissioner.

KARACHI: Residents of Lyari ended their protest against operations conducted by rangers and security personnel in their area after Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Abdul Qadir Patel successfully negotiated with the Deputy Commissioner on Monday, Express News reported.

The rally was protesting particularly against the killing of Saqib Boxer who was killed on Friday and retreated after Patel assured them that their demands will be heard, reported Express News.

Pakistan Amn Committee (PAC) leader Uzair Baloch is expected to hold a live telephonic conference shortly.

The protesters had reached the DG Headquarters despite the barricades that were placed in their way.

The protest led to a massive traffic jam on MA Jinnah road and police officials were deployed in different pockets of the road to stop any untoward incident from happening.

Negotiations between the protesters and the representatives from the security personnel continued but didn't stop the rally from moving forward.

DIG South Ameer Sheikh, Deputy Commissioner, and SSP South were present to oversee the negotiations.

"We are not against any force or authority," said Patel.

The police officials were present in approximately as large a number as the protesters, reported Express News correspondent, Rehan Khan.

The protesters moved past the barricades even though it was reported earlier that they won't be allowed to reach Shaheen Complex.

"Police officials can resort to firing water cannon, tear gas shelling and aerial firing if need be," reported Khan.

Police cordoned off the area near Shaheen Complex, which is considered the "Red Zone" for it houses the Governor House and DG Headquarters.

In the opinion of the residents, security personnel take lives of innocent people through their operations and leave target killers roaming free on the streets of Lyari.

"The police officials and Rangers personnel refuted the claim said that they only arrest criminals," reported Khan.

The rally began from Lyari and reached till the DG Rangers headquarters despite being asked not to by the authorities.

Rangers have been conducting raids and operations in the Lyari area in an attempt to curb gang wars and terrorism in the area.