Karachi police, JI workers clash; several arrested

KARACHI: Clashes erupted between police and Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) workers near the Sindh Assembly in Karachi on Saturday, leading to the arrest of several demonstrators.

The protest, organised by JI to demand basic civic amenities such as water, electricity, and better roads, escalated when some activists tried to enter the Red Zone, a government-restricted area.

Police used tear gas and baton charges to control the crowd, confiscating trucks and sound systems used by the protesters.

Several demonstrators were taken into custody, and a few police officers sustained minor injuries, according to Senior Superintendent of Police (South).

JI chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman criticised the provincial government, describing the police response as evidence of administrative failure.

He maintained that the protest was peaceful but the police used brute force the “peaceful protest”.

JI Karachi chief Munam Zafar said that the demonstration was aimed at asserting citizens’ rights but the provincial government and police resorted to using brutal force.

Meanwhile, Senior Sindh Minister Sharjeel Memon defended the police action, saying the party had been warned against entering the Red Zone.

“Activists forcibly entered the restricted area and attacked police. Authorities had no choice but to respond with tear gas and arrests,” he said.

Police personnel and prison vans had been deployed to manage the protest.