Karachi police chief promises to clear roads tonight

AIGP Odho says received instructions to clear roads, warning of firm action against any resistance according to law

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Karachi’s police chief, Additional Inspector General of Police (AIGP) Javed Alam Odho, announced on Monday that the city’s roads would likely be cleared of protesters by evening, as the ongoing sit-ins by the Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) entered their seventh day.

The protests, which have disrupted life across Karachi, are being held in response to the Parachinar crisis.

Speaking at an event, AIGP Odho stated that authorities had engaged in discussions with the protesters, and efforts were underway to remove them from the streets before Maghrib prayers.

He stated that the police had received clear instructions to clear the roads by evening and warned that any resistance would be dealt with firmly according to the law.

"We are giving a clear message that we have received instructions to clear the roads by this evening,” Odho said. "Those who refuse to vacate the roads will be removed according to the law."

He also noted that the ongoing protests were causing significant disruption for Karachi's residents, and the city’s entire system should not be paralyzed.

The MWM protests have led to severe traffic disruptions, with 13 key locations in the city affected, including MA Jinnah Road, Numaish Chowrangi, Shahrah-e-Pakistan, and areas near Malir Flyover.

Businesses, weddings, and travel plans have been heavily impacted, with incidents of missed flights and train schedules continuing. Despite earlier assurances from government officials, the protests persist.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah had previously indicated that the provincial government would intervene if public inconvenience escalated. Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab also criticised the protests, stating that the aim seemed to be to paralyze daily life, and it was the state’s responsibility to prevent such disruptions.

While sit-ins at two points on Sharea Faisal were called off, protests continue at several other locations, including Five Star Chowrangi, Powerhouse Chowrangi, and University Road.