Sindh Government Cites Law and Order Threats
Karachi police have detained 180 individuals under the Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance ahead of a planned Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf protest. The action was taken on the directives of the Sindh Home Department. Authorities said the move was necessary to prevent potential disruptions in the city.
According to an official notification, the detained individuals were identified as possible risks to public safety. The government believes they could block roads, stage sit-ins, or disturb daily life during the protest. Officials said such actions could threaten public property and overall law and order in the metropolis.
The notification detailed the district-wise breakdown of the detentions. A total of 51 individuals were picked up from District East. Another 30 were detained from District West. District Central saw 24 arrests, while 23 individuals were taken into custody from Keamari. Police also detained 22 people from Korangi, 21 from South, nine from Malir, and others from surrounding areas.
Authorities ordered that all listed individuals be detained for up to 30 days. The detainees were shifted to Malir Jail following their arrest. Officials stressed that the detentions were preventive and aimed at maintaining peace.
PTI Condemns Arrests Ahead of February 8 Protest
PTI leaders strongly criticised the Sindh government’s actions. They described the detentions as political victimisation. The party accused the authorities of attempting to suppress peaceful dissent ahead of its shutter-down strike scheduled for February 8.
According to party statements, more than 150 PTI leaders and workers have been arrested across Karachi. PTI claims the crackdown is meant to discourage public participation in the strike. Leaders allege that police conducted raids at homes late at night and used excessive force.
Sindh PTI President Haleem Adil Sheikh said the situation reflected growing intolerance for political opposition. He compared the crackdown to earlier police actions in Punjab. He claimed both provincial governments were competing in harshness rather than protecting democratic rights.
Sheikh alleged that doors were broken during raids and party members were harassed. He said several arrested workers were moved to undisclosed locations. PTI leaders and elected representatives were also among those detained, according to the party.
PTI Insists Strike Will Remain Peaceful
Despite the arrests, PTI leadership insisted that the February 8 strike would remain peaceful and voluntary. Sheikh said the party had not instructed supporters to force shop closures or block roads. He stressed that PTI believes in constitutional and democratic struggle.
PTI leaders rejected allegations of planning violence or vandalism. They said the protest was meant to express political dissent, not create chaos. The party argued that preventive arrests undermine democratic freedoms and fuel political tension.
Sindh authorities, however, maintain that security measures are necessary. Officials said Karachi’s size and sensitivity require advance steps to avoid unrest. They added that public safety remains the government’s top priority.
As the protest date approaches, tensions remain high in Karachi. Political observers say the situation highlights deepening mistrust between opposition parties and provincial authorities. Whether the strike proceeds peacefully may shape the political climate in the coming days.
