Karachi police detain six Sindh nationalist leaders outside press club

Arrested individuals belong to Jeay Sindh Qaumi Mahaz - Bashir Qureshi group

KARACHI:

Karachi Police’s South Zone on Sunday detained six leaders of the Jeay Sindh Qaumi Mahaz – Bashir Qureshi group – outside the Karachi Press Club, citing security concerns and enforcement of Section 144 in the Red Zone.

According to police officials, Section 144, which prohibits public gatherings, has been imposed in the area due to heightened security alerts. Authorities said they had received information that the group was planning a gathering, which could potentially disrupt law and order.

Police had already deployed security arrangements around the press club. As members of the Bashir Qureshi group arrived at the venue, six leaders were taken into custody and shifted to a nearby police station.

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The detained individuals were identified as Dr Niaz Kalani, Ghulam Murtaza, Chakar Khan, Kashifullah Bachayo, Asif Baladi, and Pehnal Sario. Police stated that further action would be taken in accordance with the law.

A spokesperson for the group said the gathering was organised to announce the inclusion of nationalist leader Asif Baladi into the party. However, police cordoned off the press club and detained all leaders arriving at the venue before the event could take place.

The spokesperson condemned the detentions, calling them “undemocratic” and contrary to the principles of democracy.