Protest plunges older Karachi into chaos
Police detain an activist from the Baloch Yakjehti Committee during a protest in Karachi demanding the release of the group’s chief organiser, Mahrang Baloch, along with other allegedly missing Baloch persons. PHOTO: AFP
A Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) protest in Karachi on Monday plunged some older parts of the country's economic hub into disorderincluding roadblock and traffic jams ahead of iftar.
The BYC staged a protest at Fawara Chowk of the city, near the Sindh Assembly building, demanding release of its arrested leaders including Dr Mahrung Baloch.
In response to the protest, the police blocked multiple roads paralyzing traffic in the surrounding areas. Heavy congestion was reported, with traffic police unable to manage the situation effectively.
Many citizens, stuck in gridlock near the Karachi Press Club and Fawara Chowk, had to break their fast on the streets. Frustrated commuters criticized the traffic police for their persistent inability to handle such situations.
In a crackdown, the police also detained several individuals, including a female BYC leader, for allegedly violating Section 144. Protesters responded with a rally against the arrests.
According to traffic authorities, the closure of Karachi's Deen Muhammad Wafai Road and Sarwar Shaheed Road "for security reasons" slowed movement on II Chundrigar Road, Shaheen Complex Chowk, Dr Ziauddin Ahmed Road, MR Kiyani Road, Aiwan-e-Sadr Road, and Fawara Chowk.