Multiple protests in Karachi bring city to a standstill

KARACHI: Police took 10 protesters in custody from the city's Kala Board neighbourhood late Saturday evening, sources informed Geo News. 

At least 30 people were reported injured in different incidents across Karachi today (Saturday) after demonstrations sprung up in response to the government's operation against protesters gathered in Islamabad.

Hospital sources confirmed 27 of the 30 people injured in different incident across the city were admitted to Jinnah Hospital, while three were admitted to the Civil Hospital. 

At least seven of the 30 injured were reported critical. 

Protesters gathered at the Numaish Chowrangi since morning to shut down the access roads and forcefully close all the shops in the area. 

By afternoon much of the city had come to a standstill owing to protests on the city's main artery Shahrah-e-Faisal near Star Gate, where police resorted to firing teargas shells. 

 

Protests were also reported at Jillani centre near Tower, on Hasan Square, Shaheed-e-Millat Expressway. The sources added that protestors at Al Asif Square also severed the main road link between Karachi and Hyderabad.

Speaking to journalists, SSP Malir Rao Anwar said he had summoned Rangers for assistance and had instructed all the SHOs to seal the lanes from Shah Faisal Colony leading to Shahrah-e-Faisal.

He also confirmed that SHO Memon Goth and a constable were injured due to firing. 

By early evening, reports of protesters staging a demonstration and blocking a road in Karachi’s Landhi Number 6 vicinity were received. Traffic from the Landhi Police Station was diverted to Mill Area, the police said.

Police shelled protesters and used aerial firing to disperse the crowd after the set a truck on fire in the Kala Board neighbourhood late Saturday evening. 

Reports started pouring in that protests had ended in some areas of the city including Star Gate and Shah Faisal Colony by night. 

It was earlier reported that  28 people were injured during clashes in Karachi, out of which 7 are said to be critical. 

Rangers deployed to ensure peace: DG Rangers 

In a statement issued late Saturday afternoon, Director General of Pakistan Rangers (Sindh) Major General Muhammad Saeed said that the paramilitary force had been deployed in the metropolitan to ensure peace.

He also said that no one will be allowed to harm public property. 

Train services suspended 

Train services from Karachi to interior Sindh were suspended in the wake of protests across the city. 

Thousands remained stranded after railway services were discontinued around 1pm. 

PBA condemns attack on journalists

The Pakistan Broadcast Association (PBA) condemned the attacks on members of the media during the coverage of the religious party's protests across the country.

 

In a press release issued on Saturday, the association said that violence against journalists and attacks on media vehicles will not be tolerated.

Protection of journalists is the responsibility of the state, the PBA said, demanding that the government take action against those who are violating laws.

The association condemned the burning down of a private channel's DSNG van in Faizabad, attacks on Geo News’ reporters in Karachi and two DSNGs in Lahore.

 

PBA also urged journalists to take all necessary safety precautions while performing their duties.