Karachi, Pakistan – Web Desk: Jamaat-e-Islami Karachi chief, Muneem Zafar Khan, has condemned government actions that blocked protests in the city’s Red Zone, describing Karachi as being turned into a “death zone.”
Speaking at a press conference at Idara Noor Haq alongside MPA Muhammad Farhan Farooq and other party leaders, Zafar criticized the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) for its “feudal mindset” and alleged use of severe state repression and authoritarian measures against citizens protesting for their rights.
He claimed that the city’s infrastructure has been severely damaged and that residents are denied the ability to protest freely. Zafar announced that the resistance movement would continue and that Jamaat-e-Islami Karachi plans to hold 13 major public rallies during Ramadan under the “Let Karachi Live” campaign, aiming to secure the city’s rights.
Zafar accused the PPP of hypocrisy, claiming the party “preaches democracy” while its police forces allegedly carried out violent crackdowns on peaceful protests. Despite tear gas and baton charges, party workers remained steadfast, he said, adding that terrorism-related cases have been filed against activists.
Highlighting ongoing civic issues, Zafar said Karachi is facing electricity and gas load-shedding, rising street crime, extortion threats to industrialists, and repeated reconstruction of Jahangir Road. He accused the provincial government of displaying hostility toward the city and protecting criminal elements in informal settlements.
Zafar further called for a Mega City Government for Karachi, stating that all powers and resources currently lie with the Sindh provincial government. He argued that local authorities must regain control over essential services, including water and waste management, and stressed that the movement will persist to reclaim Karachi’s rights.
