Police Deploy Heavy Security, Roads Closed Around Karachi Press Club During HRCP Rally
Karachi, Pakistan – Web Desk: Heavy security measures and roadblocks disrupted normal activity around Karachi Press Club on Thursday as the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) staged a protest against the sentencing of lawyers Iman Mazari and Hadi Chhatta. The demonstration, aimed at highlighting concerns over justice and freedom of expression, faced a massive police presence and extensive road closures that affected journalists, local workers, and residents.
According to local reports, the HRCP called for the protest after the controversial sentencing of lawyers Iman Mazari and Hadi Chhatta, prompting authorities to take preemptive measures. Police blocked several key roads leading to the Press Club, including areas near Fawara Chowk, YMCA, Sarwar Shaheed Road, and Zeenab Market, deploying containers and buses to control the crowd. A heavy police presence encircled the protest, allowing access only through a narrow passage near YMCA.
The road closures caused major inconvenience for media personnel and office workers, with many journalists unable to reach the Press Club and those present remaining trapped for several hours. Karachi Press Club President Fazil Jamili criticized the authorities’ actions, stating, “The government promised that at least one route would remain open during such situations. Complete road closures are a mistake and disrupt media work. Sindh government must take notice.”
HRCP Chairman Asad Butt condemned the police action, emphasizing that protests are a democratic right. “Protesting is not a crime. Karachi Press Club is a hub for freedom of expression, and the heavy police presence created a tense environment. People could not reach us, and it felt like arrests were imminent. Is this the way a democratic government functions?” he said.
The protest concluded peacefully after several hours, but police remained stationed for the rest of the day, and roads remained partially blocked. The demonstration highlighted ongoing tensions between civil society organizations and authorities in Karachi, especially regarding freedom of speech and access to public spaces for peaceful protests.
Authorities continue to justify the security measures as precautionary, citing potential risks to public order. However, civil society leaders and media representatives have called for more balanced strategies that allow protests while ensuring safety.
