Karachi, January 1, 2025 – At least 11 people, including six policemen, were injured on Tuesday as Karachi police clashed with protesters demanding justice for the recent killings in Parachinar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The sit-ins were organized by the Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen (MWM), a religio-political group, in solidarity with the people of Parachinar, who have been protesting since December 20.
Protest Details & Violence
- Protest Locations: Demonstrations were held at various locations, including Numaish Chowrangi, Ancholi, and Rizvia Society.
- Cause of Protest: The protests were triggered by ongoing violence in Kurram District, especially the brutal killing and decapitation of two individuals traveling to Parachinar in the Bagan area.
- Police Action: The police used tear gas and baton charges at multiple locations, including Abbas Town and Kamran Chowrangi, to disperse protesters. However, the sit-ins continued at key sites.
Clashes and Casualties
- National Highway in Malir: Clashes broke out as protesters blocked the highway, resulting in injuries to both protesters and policemen.
- Injuries: Four people, including one in critical condition with a bullet wound, were admitted to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, while several officers were injured by blunt instruments.
- Police Version: Malir Superintendent of Police Saeed Rind denied firing on protesters, stating only tear gas was used to clear roads.
MWM's Response
- Condemnation: MWM spokesperson Syed Ali Ahmer Zaidi condemned police brutality and vowed protests would continue despite police violence.
- Support for Parachinar: MWM Information Secretary Asif Safvi criticized the Sindh government for using force, and called for political leaders like Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari to address the issue.
- Fighting State Oppression: MWM leaders, including Allama Mukhtar Emami, placed responsibility on Sindh CM Murad Ali Shah for violence against protesters and leaders like Allama Hassan Zafar Naqvi.
Karachi Sit-In Developments
- Road Blocks: Police cleared several roads, including Jauhar Mor and Five Star Chowrangi, while protests continued at four locations, notably Abbas Town and Numaish Chowrangi.
- Traffic Diversions: Traffic police diverted vehicles to avoid protest areas and ensure smoother movement.
ASWJ Counter-Protests
- Outlawed ASWJ's Response: The banned Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat (ASWJ) group initiated counter-protests at locations like Sharea Faisal and Qayyumabad. ASWJ demanded action in Kurram and the implementation of KP government decisions.
Government Action
- CM Shah's Statement: Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah confirmed that administrative action was taken at several protest sites. He emphasized negotiations with MWM to resolve the issue without further disruption to traffic.
