Clashes Erupt in Karachi During Sindh Rawadari March and TLP Counter-Protest
In Karachi, Pakistan, a protest called the Sindh Rawadari March took place outside the Karachi Press Club (KPC) on Sunday, leading to clashes with police. The protest included human rights defenders, trade unions, and feminist movements, who were demonstrating against the extrajudicial killing of Dr. Shahnawaz. He was accused of sharing blasphemous posts and was killed in a controversial police encounter on September 19 in Mirpurkhas. An inquiry revealed the encounter was staged, acknowledged by Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar.
The protest violated Section 144, a law prohibiting gatherings of four or more people in certain areas, prompting police to use baton charges to disperse the crowd, including women. Meanwhile, Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) staged a counter-protest, leading to further confrontations with police. Saeed Sarbazi, KPC President, criticized the road blockades that hindered journalists from accessing the protest site.
South Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Syed Asad Raza confirmed arrests from both protests. Karachi South Deputy Commissioner Altaf Sario stated Section 144 was imposed due to potential violence concerns, especially with foreign dignitaries arriving for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit. The situation escalated when TLP supporters clashed with police in the Red Zone, resulting in one protester killed and several injuries.
Sindh Home Minister Lanjar condemned the violence and assured an inquiry into police actions against women during the march. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan and Sindh Human Rights Commission called for the release of arrested protesters and respect for citizens’ rights. DIG Raza mentioned over 70 TLP activists were arrested, and tear gas was used to disperse protesters. He denied any journalists or women were arrested during the Sindh Rawadari March.
Doubts Revealed
Karachi -: Karachi is a large city in Pakistan, similar to how Mumbai is a big city in India. It’s known for being a busy and important place.
Sindh Rawadari March -: The Sindh Rawadari March is a protest event in the Sindh province of Pakistan. People join it to show their disagreement with certain actions or decisions by the government.
TLP -: TLP stands for Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan, which is a political and religious group in Pakistan. They often organize protests and have strong opinions on religious matters.
Section 144 -: Section 144 is a law that prevents people from gathering in large groups in certain areas. It’s used to keep peace and order, similar to rules we have in India during big events.
Baton charges -: Baton charges are when police use sticks to control or disperse a crowd. It’s a method used to manage protests or large gatherings that might become violent.
Extrajudicial killing -: Extrajudicial killing means someone was killed without a legal trial or court decision. It’s considered unfair and against human rights.
Karachi Press Club -: The Karachi Press Club is a place where journalists and media people gather. It’s like a hub for news and discussions in Karachi.
Sindh Home Minister -: The Sindh Home Minister is a government official responsible for maintaining law and order in the Sindh province, similar to a state minister in India.
Human rights groups -: Human rights groups are organizations that work to protect people’s basic rights and freedoms. They speak up when they think someone’s rights are being violated.
