Karachi, Pakistan – Web Desk: Police used tear gas and baton charges to disperse Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) workers attempting to stage a protest outside the Sindh Assembly on Tuesday. The clash resulted in injuries and several arrests, highlighting rising tensions between the party and provincial authorities.
Law enforcement officials seized a JI sound system truck and took 10 workers into custody. One protester was injured during the police action, while multiple officers also sustained injuries due to stone-pelting by demonstrators.
JI Pakistan chief Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman condemned the crackdown, accusing the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) of using excessive force against peaceful citizens. “The country is witnessing PPP’s fascist behavior. Using tear gas against citizens trying to assert their rights is proof of panic. Karachi’s citizens are entitled to a functional government,” he said.
In response, Senior Provincial Minister Sharjeel Memon stated that JI had been warned against entering the Red Zone. “Their activists ignored the notice, tried to enter the assembly, and threw stones at police. Law enforcement had to respond with tear gas and arrests. No one is allowed to take the law into their own hands,” he added.
JI Karachi chief Muneem Zafar said the protest was about securing basic rights and access to water for residents. He criticized authorities for using force and called the police action unacceptable, accusing Sharjeel Memon of spreading falsehoods.
The protest, scheduled for February 14, aimed to draw attention to civic rights and governance issues in Karachi.
