Over 100 arrested in Karachi as protesters defy Section 144, clash with police

KARACHI: Clashes between protesters and police erupted in parts of Karachi with the law enforcers arresting hundreds, including women, for violating Section 144 imposed a day earlier.

Separate protests were held in parts of Karachi, including Karachi Press Club and Teen Talwar in Clifton, with TV footage showing police baton charging the protesters and arresting them.

Participants of the ‘Sindh Rawadari March’ clashed with the police outside the press club when they violated Section 144 — banning demonstrations and assemblies of more than five persons across the metropolis. 

The police officials noted that over 100 protesters, affiliated with separate groups, were taken into custody from different parts of the metropolis, including outside Karachi Press Club, Metropole Hotel and Jinnah Hospital.

Moreover, four policemen sustained injuries amid the clashes and have been shifted to hospital.

Speaking to journalists, South Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Syed Asad Raza said that “at least 20 people have been detained so far, including women.”

More police personnel have been deployed on all the roads leading to the press club.

In another clash near the Governor House, the police fired tear gas shells at the protesters of a religious organisation, which has called a counter-protest at the KPC, forcing its rally to move towards Metropole Hotel.

Amid tear-gas shelling, protesters pelted stones at riot police, injuring two cops, while they also reportedly set a police van on fire.

Meanwhile, at least 27 protesters were also taken into custody near Teen Talwar in Clifton, including women.

Sindh Home Minister Zia Lanjar stated that the police had detained 'some protesters' for violating Section 144, imposed by the Karachi Commissioner.

He warned of strict action against those who "took the law into their own hands."

Additionally, the minister confirmed that an investigation had been ordered into the reported 'manhandling' of journalists by law enforcement at the Karachi Press Club, vowing action against those responsible.

A day earlier, the Karachi commissioner imposed a ban on protests, sit-ins, rallies and public gatherings in Karachi under Section 144 for five days citing security issues.

The ban would remain effective from October 13 to 17. A notification was issued by the Karachi commissioner's office regarding the enforcement of the ban on demonstrations and assembly of more than five persons across the metropolis at the advice of an additional inspector general (AIG) in Karachi.