HRCP Demands Investigation into Police Violence at Sindh Rawadari March in Karachi
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has urged the Sindh government to investigate the violent actions against civil society activists during the Sindh Rawadari March in Karachi on October 13. Many participants, including HRCP Sindh vice-chair Qazi Khizer Habib, were arrested, and several, including women, faced physical assaults by the police.
Although the detainees were later released, HRCP criticized the imposition of Section 144 in Karachi as unnecessary. The march aimed to peacefully seek justice for Shahnawaz Kunbher, accused of blasphemy and killed by a police officer. HRCP stressed that the event united progressive voices from Sindh and should have been supported by a government that values democracy. Instead, an FIR was filed against several protesters, including those who faced police violence, and HRCP demanded its immediate retraction.
HRCP acknowledged the counter-protest by the far-right Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) raised concerns about potential clashes due to their history of violence and extremist views on blasphemy. However, this did not justify the police’s assault on the Sindh Rawadari March participants. The police should have protected the peaceful marchers from any TLP-instigated violence.
HRCP highlighted that the constitutional right to peaceful assembly has been repeatedly violated by the state, with Section 144 often misused against peaceful gatherings. Both federal and provincial governments must uphold and promote this right. Reports indicated that police clashed with protesters outside the Karachi Press Club during a demonstration against the killing of Shahnawaz Kunbhar and rising extremism in Sindh. The Sindh Rawadari March included human rights defenders, trade unions, and feminist movements, with footage showing police using baton charges against demonstrators, including women.
Doubts Revealed
HRCP -: HRCP stands for Human Rights Commission of Pakistan. It is an organization that works to protect and promote human rights in Pakistan.
Sindh Rawadari March -: The Sindh Rawadari March is a protest march held in the Sindh province of Pakistan. It is organized to demand justice and raise awareness about certain issues, like the case of Shahnawaz Kunbher.
Karachi -: Karachi is the largest city in Pakistan and the capital of the Sindh province. It is a major economic and cultural hub in the country.
Section 144 -: Section 144 is a law in Pakistan that allows the government to prohibit gatherings of people in certain areas. It is often used to prevent protests or maintain public order.
FIRs -: FIR stands for First Information Report. It is a document prepared by the police in India and Pakistan when they receive information about the commission of a cognizable offense.
Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan -: Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan is a political and religious party in Pakistan. It is known for its strong stance on issues related to Islam and has been involved in various protests and demonstrations.
Shahnawaz Kunbher -: Shahnawaz Kunbher is a person whose case has become a symbol for justice in the Sindh Rawadari March. The march is advocating for justice in his case, although specific details about his case are not provided in the summary.