Clashes break out in Karachi during nationalist group’s cultural day rally

Violent clashes broke out near FTC in Shahrae Faisal on Sunday as a nationalist group’s rally commemorating Sindh Cultural Day attempted to move towards the Red Zone, prompting police intervention as police detained 35 people who were detained at various places, causing severe traffic disruptions along the city’s main artery.

The nationalist group had planned a rally from Shahrah-e-Faisal to Karachi Press Club to celebrate Sindh Cultural Day, which falls on the first Sunday of December. However, police had set up barriers at the FTC building, blocking access to the Red Zone and ordering the demonstration to take an alternative route through the Lines Area. The protesters refused to comply, leading to heated exchanges and a confrontation.

“Shahrah-e-Faisal was closed at the FTC point for security reasons and alternative routes were provided for motorists. No one will be allowed to enter the Red Zone and strict action will be taken against anyone who takes the law into their own hands,” South SSP Mehzor Ali said.

Moving images from the scene also showed protesters throwing rocks at a Peoples Bus Service vehicle and harassing passengers. The women and children inside the bus seemed visibly frightened. The tense situation prompted additional police forces to be deployed to the scene and baton charges and tear gas were used to disperse the crowd. The protesters responded by throwing stones, causing damage to a police vehicle.

SSP Mehzor added that several people involved in stone-pelting, injuring police personnel and damaging public and government property had been arrested. “Legal action will be taken against all violators,” he said. He confirmed that 35 people were detained in various places.

The clashes caused long traffic queues at Shahrah-e-Faisal and congestion in surrounding areas. The roads were reopened once the protesters dispersed.

Sindh United Party condemns police action

Sindh United Party (SUP) president Syed Zain Shah on Sunday condemned the use of tear gas, force and arrests of youth celebrating Sindh Cultural Day at Shahrae Faisal, saying “Sindhis are being punished for celebrating their own heritage in their own homeland.”

In a statement issued on Sunday, Zain Shah said the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), which has ruled Sindh for the past 18 years, had “hurt the sentiments of Sindhis across the world” by allowing what he called an “unjustified crackdown” on a peaceful cultural rally in Karachi.

The current PPP government appears to be ruling through force and intimidation, he claimed.

Zain Shah said the people of Sindh must recognize the behavior of “those who beat up their own citizens simply for wearing the Sindhi cap and ajrak and singing the folk songs of their land.” He added that such actions deprive the government of its “moral authority” to govern the province.

He said the entire province was saddened by the incident. “Those leading anti-Sindh decisions have now attacked peaceful citizens who were dancing and celebrating Sindh Cultural Day at Shahrah-e-Faisal. By resorting to violence and leaving them bloodied, the rulers have demonstrated the worst form of governance.”

Celebrations continue in Karachi despite clashes

Sindh Cultural Day was celebrated with enthusiasm in Karachi and the province. The events took place in various parts of the city, including the main ceremony in front of the Karachi Press Club and additional gatherings at Fawara Chowk.

Residents wore Sindhi topis and ajraks, while men, women and children participated in rallies, presented paintings and danced to Sindhi songs. Folk artists performed at the Karachi Press Club program and attendees raised “Jeay Sindh” slogans in celebration of the province’s cultural heritage.

Netizens celebrate during the Sindh Cultural Day music program outside Karachi Press Club on Sunday. Photo: Express

“Sindh Cultural Day represents the vibrant cultural heritage, rich traditions and timeless values ​​of the valley. It represents harmony, tolerance and inclusivity,” said social activist Shujauddin. He added that the Sindhi ajrak and topi symbolize respect, dignity and pride, and stressed the need to preserve and promote Sindh culture.

The women participants described the culture of Sindh as ancient and historically significant, rooted in thousands of years of tradition. They said the day reinforced the commitment to preserve cultural values, heritage and languages, including Sindhi, Punjabi, Pashto, Urdu, Balochi, Hindko and Seraiki.

Civil society representatives urged the youth of Sindh to focus on education and merit as a path to progress, describing unity as the true strength of the province. They said the music, language and traditions of Sindh shape its future and reflect the peaceful and tolerant identity of the province.

Participation at the Karachi Press Club remained vibrant, with tight security measures in place. Roads around the Press Club were closed and traffic was diverted to alternative routes. Sindh Cultural Day is celebrated annually on the first Sunday of December.