Sindh CM warns JI against plan of blocking Shahrah-e-Faisal through sit-in

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has issued a stern warning to Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) leader Hafiz Naeemur Rehman, saying that any attempt to block traffic on Sharah-e-Faisal during their planned February 14 sit-in will not be tolerated, and strict action will follow.

Speaking to the media while inaugurating the first polio campaign of the year at Government Boys Secondary School in Chanesar Goth on Monday, he said, “Protests and propaganda that trouble the constituents must stop, as people are already suffering.”

CM Shah reiterated that traffic on Sharah-e-Faisal will not be allowed to be blocked during JI’s planned sit-in. He highlighted that JI had won two Sindh Assembly seats, but while one member had taken the oath, the other had yet to do so.

“Hafiz Naeem should either take the oath or vacate the seat to allow proper representation,” the CM said. He emphasised that political protests should not disturb the public and peace of the city.

Read More: Hafiz Naeem slams PPP's governance in Sindh

Regarding the recent Gul Plaza tragedy, he said, the government is awaiting a judicial inquiry report. He added that practical steps are being taken, including strengthening fire brigades and rescue services, and bringing all relevant departments under one umbrella for better coordination.

He announced that each family of victims, lost life in the incident, would receive compensation of Rs10 million, noting that 26 cheques had already been distributed. He stressed that such incidents should never be exploited for political purposes.

CM Shah further said the polio campaign would continue until February 8, aiming at vaccinating 10.5 million children across Sindh. “Around 80,000 polio workers are participating in this campaign, supported by 21,000 police and Rangers personnel to ensure their safety,” he added.

He appealed to parents to fully cooperate with the polio teams and ensure that their children receive the vaccine. “Polio remains a source of national shame, as the disease is now confined only to Pakistan and Afghanistan. The World Health Organisation has repeatedly confirmed that the vaccine is safe and causes no harm to children,” he stated.

Also Read: JI to stage sit-in outside Sindh Assembly on Feb 14

The CM also called on religious scholars, social leaders, and influential personalities to play their part in raising public awareness about polio. He criticised the caretaker government’s handling of previous campaigns, noting that donor support had decreased and that some people give false impression that the campaign was ongoing.

Murad Ali Shah reminded the public that the late Benazir Bhutto had set an example by administering polio drops to her children. He stressed, polio cannot be eradicated without society’s cooperation.

The CM also expressed disappointment with the media, noting that during last October’s polio campaign, only a 10-second segment had been requested for coverage, but no channel provided airtime, while paid content continues to be aired repeatedly. “On national issues like polio, the media must play a more effective role,” he said.

Police book JI's Munim Zafar, three others 

Meanwhile, Karachi police registered a case against Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Karachi chief Munim Zafar and three others for allegedly blocking Shahrah-e-Faisal during a march on Sunday. According to the First Information Report (FIR), the case was registered at Tipu Sultan police station on the complaint of the station house officer, Sub-Inspector Azhar Khan, under FIR No. 57 of 2026.

The FIR stated that the officer and other policemen were on patrol in a government vehicle on February 1 when they reached Shahrah-e-Faisal at around 4pm on the track leading towards Saddar and observed a political gathering of 800 to 1,000 people, including men and women.

It added that the group was led by Munim Zafar and three others, Manzar Alam, Rashid and Saleem, along with unidentified individuals.

The FIR further stated that the protesters stopped vehicles and ambulances on the main road, disrupting public movement and causing “severe distress” to citizens and patients.

It added that the gathering took place without administrative permission, with protesters chanting slogans, and claimed that some individuals damaged public property with sharp objects, pitched tents and put up flags to block the road until about 7:30pm.

Police said the case has been handed over to the investigation in-charge at Tipu Sultan police station for further inquiry. However, Karachi traffic police had earlier issued an advisory on the road closure on Shahrah-e-Faisal due to a political party’s march and announced alternative routes for traffic.