KARACHI – Violent clashes broke out on Tuesday during ongoing sit-in protests organized by Majlis Wahdat-ul-Muslimeen (MWM) in Karachi, leading to arrest of several protesters. The sit-ins, which have been ongoing for six days in solidarity with the people of Parachinar, turned chaotic at Numaish Chowrangi, where enraged protesters set fire to four motorcycles.
Karachi Police responded with shelling and baton charges to disperse the crowds, resulting in further confrontations. The protests, triggered by the blockade of the central highway in Parachinar, caused significant disruptions across Karachi.
Amid standoff, protesters hurled stones, and set ablaze, prompting authorities to take more aggressive action to control the situation.
Police carried out a large-scale crackdown on protesters, using tear gas and shelling to disperse crowds. Several individuals were arrested during the operation, though the exact number remains unclear. Law enforcement officials have vowed to take strict legal action against those responsible for the violence, including those who set fire to motorcycles and other vehicles.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah condemned the acts of vandalism and urged masses not to damage public or private property. He called the attacks on vehicles an act of provocation and stressed that arrests would be made in connection with these incidents.
MWM leadership, led by Allama Hassan Zafar Naqvi, condemned the police crackdown and the use of force against peaceful protesters. They vowed to continue the sit-ins and protests, with plans to expand the movement throughout Sindh. Allama Naqvi urged the nation to join the protests, warning that the soft nature of their protests should not be mistaken for weakness.
MWM’s spokesperson accused the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) of using excessive force on the protesters, blaming the party for the escalating violence in the city. The spokesperson also accused the PPP of ignoring the ongoing suffering of the people of Parachinar, despite the months-long blockade.
As the protests continue, Karachi remains tense, with multiple arrests and clashes disrupting daily life. Authorities are under pressure to manage the situation, while protest leaders vow to keep up their fight until their demands are met.
Karachi faces massive traffic jams as key roads closed amid protest
