Protests in Karachi orchestrated by political organisations: Sindh home minister

Lanjar says same-day demonstrations posed a risk of conflict; protestors should have complied with Section 144

Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar expressed concerns over potential clashes following a planned protest by civil society and a religious party in the city. He stated that the demonstrations were initiated by both political organisations, raising fears of unrest.

In a statement regarding the protests scheduled at Karachi Press Club, Clifton's Teen Talwar, and Metropole, Lanjar stressed peace and order. He noted that the Karachi Commissioner had imposed Section 144 due to the simultaneous calls for protests by the civil society and the religious party.

The minister explained that the protests were organised by civil society and Tehreek-e-Labbaik in relation to the Dr Shahnawaz Kanbhar case, highlighting that the Sindh government had fulfilled all legal requirements.

Lanjar stated that the demonstrations on the same day posed a risk of conflict and that protestors should have complied with the law. However, he claimed that the demonstrators violated legal provisions, leading to police action against some individuals.

Reports indicated that police personnel were assaulted, resulting in injuries to two officers, while a police vehicle was set ablaze during the unrest. Furthermore, instances of arson were described as unacceptable, with the minister emphasising that no one is permitted to take the law into their own hands.

Lanjar announced that strict action would be taken against those who violated the law, regardless of their ethnicity, race, or religion. He ordered an investigation into the alleged mistreatment and violence against journalists and others by police during the protests, assuring that disciplinary measures would be implemented against officers who assaulted journalists despite their identification.

An FIR had been lodged at the request of Kanbhar's parents against police officers and personnel involved in the case, leading to the arrest of several individuals.

He further mentioned that some police officers had obtained pre-arrest bail from the court, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend others who remained at large. The Sindh government remains committed to fulfilling its duties and is executing its responsibilities effectively, he maintained.

Lanjar asserted that there would be no leniency regarding the case, stating that both protests were politically motivated amidst the country's current situation, particularly following a recent terrorist incident near the airport.

He added that both internal and external elements with a vested interest in undermining Pakistan's integrity and peace were involved in such activities, which aimed to harm the economy.

The minister noted that certain disruptive elements were attempting to destabilise Karachi, especially at a time when delegations for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation were arriving from around the world.

He described the simultaneous announcements of protests by civil society and religious groups as incomprehensible for a patriot, particularly given the imposition of Section 144 by the Sindh government.