KARACHI: Karachi police clashed with protesters outside the Karachi Press Club on Sunday for violating a ban on public gatherings under Section 144.
The protesters were demonstrating against the killing of blasphemy accused Dr Shahnawaz Kunbhar and rising extremism in Sindh.
Section 144 prohibits the assembly of four or more people in Karcahi for a limited period, with violations resulting in strict action. Footage shared on TV and social media showed police using batons to disperse the crowd outside the press club.
South Karachi Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Syed Asad Raza told reporters that “20 people have been detained so far, including rights activist and PTI leader Ali Palh, along with Soorath Thebo and others.”
Karachi Press Club president Saeed Sarbazi lashed out at the police for blocking all routes to the press club with containers and buses. “Even reporters and camera personnel were denied access,” he told Dawn.com.
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Karachi South Deputy Commissioner (DC) Altaf Sario later visited the press club and argued that the assembly ban was in place to prevent riots and violence across Karachi and other parts of Sindh.
He also cited the arrival of foreign dignitaries in Islamabad, warning that unrest could harm the country’s image.
Sarbazi, however, contended that Section 144 does not apply to the Karachi Press Club, which has been designated a “Hyde Park” venue where protests are permitted.
Following discussions between Sindh’s Inspector General (IG) of Police Ghulam Nabi Memon and press club officials, the South DIG ordered the removal of restrictions around the club, according to Sarbazi.
Despite this, witnesses and organisers reported that police were deployed in various parts of Karachi, including Sharea Faisal, Korangi Road, and the Superhighway Toll Plaza, where people were being prevented from protesting.
According to media reports, a heavy police contingent was present at multiple locations, including the Teen Talwar roundabout, with officials equipped with riot gear. A water cannon truck was also seen parked near the Hilal-i-Ahmar Medical Centre.