Protests by civil society groups and the Sindh Rawadari March have led to widespread road closures in Karachi. Tensions escalated on Sunday after a supporter of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) was allegedly killed during clashes with law enforcement near the Karachi Press Club, amidst a ban on public gatherings.
In a separate incident, at least 35 people were arrested as police confronted marchers protesting the killing of Dr. Shahnawaz Kunbhar, who had been accused of blasphemy. The marchers also protested against rising extremism in Sindh, defying Section 144 of the CrPC.
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) condemned the arrests of several activists, including HRCP Sindh vice-chair Qazi Khizer Habib and trade union leader Zahra Khan. Videos on social media showed police dragging and baton-charging protesters, as well as using tear gas to disperse the crowd. Several roads, including the Super Highway, were blocked in anticipation of these protests.
The Sindh Rawadari March aimed to denounce the extrajudicial killing of Dr. Shahnawaz, who was shot during a police encounter in Mirpurkhas on September 19. Following the incident, Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar admitted that the police had “staged the encounter.”
The march united a diverse coalition of progressive voices, including human rights advocates, trade unions, and feminist organizations, all calling for justice and accountability. Sindhu Nawaz, a protest leader, reported that their home in Hyderabad was raided prior to the protest. Nationalist leaders Niaz Kalani and Riaz Chandio were also arrested in police raids.
The HRCP criticized the police for their excessive use of force against protesters, particularly against young women, and called for the immediate release of all arrested individuals.
As the civil society rally advanced towards the press club, TLP supporters organized their own protest from Teen Talwar, leading to heightened tensions. Heavy police and Rangers presence attempted to block TLP activists, with reports of tear gas being deployed.
Amidst the chaos, a police vehicle was reportedly set on fire by TLP demonstrators, and the party confirmed that one individual, identified as Aamir Aziz, was killed in the gunfire near Saddar Metro Pole. Eventually, Rangers intervened to disperse the crowd.
Access to the press club has been heavily restricted, with police sealing off all entry and exit points around Teen Talwar and Clifton. A significant police presence has also been established at major checkpoints, disrupting traffic across the city.
