More than 300 protesters have been booked following violent clashes with police at Numaish Chowrangi in Karachi on Tuesday, police confirmed to local media.
According to an FIR, the protesters attacked the police with stones, batons and gunshots, injuring six officers, including sub-inspector Raja Khalid. The protesters also set fire to four motorcycles and damaged a police vehicle.
The charges filed include rioting, attempted murder, vandalism, terrorism and assault on law enforcement officers. Police have so far arrested 19 people in connection with the riots.
Meanwhile, sit-ins by two religious parties at six places in Karachi continued to disrupt traffic, causing major inconvenience to commuters.
Karachi traffic police reported that major roads including Numaish Chowrangi, Abu al-Hasan Isfahani Road, Kamran Chowrangi and Water Pump remain blocked. Alternative routes such as Sohrab Goth to Water Pump and Banaras to Orangi Town remain open.
Authorities have urged the public to use alternative routes and be patient amid the continued disruptions.
Tensions rise as protesters clash with police in Karachi
The situation escalated when protesters set fire to a police post, a vehicle and six motorcycles at Numaish Chowrangi.
A protest in Karachi’s Numaish Chowrangi turned violent on Tuesday with participants throwing stones at police, who responded with tear gas, Express News reported.
The situation escalated when protesters set fire to a police post, a vehicle and six motorcycles, prompting a crackdown by law enforcement.
Police arrested several protesters and dismantled the protest camp amid heightened tensions. Some police officers were injured by stone throwing and a police van was also damaged.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah took notice of the disturbance and ordered the additional inspector general (AIG) of police to restore order and submit a report.
“Damage to public and government property under the pretext of protests will not be tolerated,” the prime minister said, adding that those responsible for setting vehicles on fire would face legal action. He emphasized that while the right to protest is respected, it should not cause damage or chaos.
The prime minister reiterated the government’s provision of designated protest platforms, urging protesters to use them responsibly. The Sindh government promised to address the unrest quickly and ensure that the city’s residents and infrastructure are protected.
