One dead, over 100 reportedly arrested in police clashes after violation of Section 144 in Karachi

At least one person died and 100 members of the Sindh Rawadari March, civil society, and Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) were detained while protesting in violation of Section 144 at Clifton's Teen Talwar area and near the Karachi Press Club on Sunday.

According to Express News, the Sindh Rawadari March, along with civil society and religious organisations, announced a protest rally from Teen Talwar to the Karachi Press Club despite the enforcement of Section 144.

Participants of the Sindh Rawadari March faced off against law enforcement officials outside the Karachi Press Club, leading to the arrest of over 100 individuals from the Karachi Press Club, Metropole Hotel, and Jinnah Hospital, as per local media reports.

Sources revealed that four police officers sustained injuries during the skirmishes and were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. South Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Syed Asad Raza informed reporters that at least 20 individuals, including women, had been detained in the initial wave of arrests.

The situation escalated as police intervened to disperse the crowds, using baton charges and tear gas. During the clashes, unknown individuals set one police van on fire and vandalised another by breaking its windows. The unrest led to a shooting incident, resulting in one person’s death and multiple injuries, including several police officers.

In response to the rioting, law enforcement arrested dozens of individuals on charges related to the unrest. The Metropole area became a battleground as tensions mounted between the protesters and the police. In a bid to control the situation, additional police units were dispatched to roads leading to the press club.

A separate altercation occurred near the Governor House, where police employed tear gas against protesters from a religious organisation who had organised a counter-protest at the Karachi Press Club.

The ensuing chaos saw demonstrators hurl stones at riot police, injuring two officers and reportedly setting a police van ablaze. At least 27 protesters were also apprehended near Teen Talwar in Clifton, with several women among those detained.

In response to the planned protest, police deployed heavy security forces at key locations, including Teen Talwar, Fountain Chowk, and other areas. Female police officers were also stationed to manage any potential disturbances. Karachi Police Chief Javed Alam Odhu visited the area to assess the security arrangements.

During a media briefing, Additional IG Karachi stated that various groups had called for a protest at Teen Talwar. He maintained that no one would be allowed to violate Section 144, confirming that over 2,200 personnel and more than 100 police vehicles were deployed, warning that violators would be arrested and face legal action.

The Additional IG noted that with an international event scheduled in Islamabad (SCO summit), authorities did not want any disturbances in Karachi. The Additional IG suggested that those wishing to protest could do so after October 17, and stated that organisers of the rally had been informed.