Protest is a right, rioting is not: Sharjeel

Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon on Wednesday said political workers had a democratic right to protest but warned that the government would act against arson, vandalism and the use of weapons during demonstrations.

Speaking to journalists at the Karachi Press Club, Sharjeel recalled that the Pakistan Peoples Party's long march against inflation had remained peaceful throughout the country, claiming that no incidents of stone-pelting or vandalism had taken place during the march.

"Political struggle and protest are the democratic rights of every political worker," he said, adding that political parties should ensure their workers followed peaceful and democratic methods. He was at a luncheon hosted by the Karachi Press Club, where he met office-bearers and discussed issues faced by journalists.

He said Karachi already had limited road infrastructure and protesters should also consider the difficulties faced by citizens. The government, he added, was responsible for protecting the lives and property of people during protests.

"Political workers have the right to protest, but no one can be allowed to take the law into their own hands," Sharjeel said, ruling out any tolerance for arson, vandalism or carrying weapons during demonstrations.

He urged political leaders to pursue constitutional and legal avenues instead of relying on "deals or backdoor recommendations."