Five held after clashes between police, TLP workers in Karachi

Protesters pelted stones at officers, injuring two policemen, while tear gas was used to disperse crowd, says Police

Police detained at least five people after clashes broke out between law enforcement and Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan during a protest in the New Karachi area.

The situation turned tense on Monday as protesters blocked several key roads, including Powerhouse Chowrangi, Anda Mor, and Sindhi Hotel, disrupting traffic and paralysing movement in parts of the city.

Police said protesters pelted stones at officers, injuring two policemen, while tear gas was used to disperse the crowd. During the shelling, two children reportedly fell unconscious due to the gas.

“Five individuals involved in the stone-pelting have been taken into custody,” a police spokesperson said, adding that traffic was restored shortly after the demonstration ended.

Authorities said Section 144, which prohibits public gatherings, remains in effect across Karachi. “Strict action will be taken against those violating the law,” police officials warned.

Meanwhile, Sindh Home Minister Zia Hasan Lanjar urged the public not to pay heed to rumours or misinformation about unrest in the city. “Police are on alert and have been directed to ensure peace and order,” he said in a statement.

Earlier, the Sindh government imposed a one-month ban on protests, demonstrations, sit-ins and rallies across the province. Taking into account the law and order situation, authorities have invoked Section 144, prohibiting gatherings of more than five people.

Read: Sindh imposes one-month ban on all protests, rallies under section 144

The decision was taken on the recommendation of Sindh Inspector General of Police Ghulam Nabi Memon, who, based on reports from various police ranges and zones, advised that immediate measures were required to maintain public order.