At least 50 arrested for holding rally after Section 144 imposed in Karachi
Additional Inspector General (AIG) of Karachi police Javed Alam Odho. PHOTO: SINDH POLICE
In Karachi, more than 50 activists and leaders from the Sindh Rawadari March, civil society, and religious groups were detained while protesting in violation of Section 144 in Clifton's Teen Talwar area and near the Karachi Press Club.
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.
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 in the Z Zone, 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.
While some participants of the Sindh Rawadari March managed to reach the Karachi Press Club, they staged a sit-in outside and began chanting slogans.
In response, police raided the protest site, detaining numerous participants and transferring them to various police stations. Reports indicate that over 35 activists were arrested at Teen Talwar and around 20 more at the Karachi Press Club.
Due to the protest rally, police presence has increased on key routes including Shahrah-e-Faisal, MA Jinnah Road, Mauripur Road, and at the Korangi Industrial Area and City Toll Plazas.