Police fired tear gas and protesters pelted stones in Karachi on Sunday evening during a rally that was part of nationwide protests condemning Israel’s killing of Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah and its ongoing bombing campaign in Lebanon.
Thousands of people protested across Pakistan after Hezbollah confirmed on Saturday that its longtime chief had been killed by an Israeli air strike in Lebanon.
In Karachi, a large number of protesters, including women and children, attended the rally denouncing the Hezbollah chief’s killing, raising slogans against Israel and its long-time ally, the United States. Karachi Police said in a statement that the religiopolitical party, Majlis Wahdat Muslimeen (MWM), organised the rally in the metropolis.
According to the police, several protesters began their rally from the Old Numaish roundabout and marched along the main MA Jinnah Road. When they descended from the Native Jetty Bridge and attempted to approach the US consulate, police contingents stationed there prevented them from moving further.
The police had already set up containers and created temporary barriers on MT Khan Road and Mai Kolachi Road leading toward the consulate. However, protesters tried removing the obstacles which led to the clashes.
Meanwhile, journalists in a statement claimed that some reporters covering the incident were beaten and injured, allegedly by the protesters. It added that DSNG vans belonging to a few private news channels were also damaged.
“An understanding had been reached with the protestors to hold a peaceful demonstration, while the police had offered to facilitate a meeting between some rally leaders and a representative from the US Consulate,” said DIG Raza.
