KARACHI: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) party has announced plans to conduct a nationwide protest today (Sunday) against police violence that occurred against their members.
JI Chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman claimed that 50 of the party’s workers disappeared after they fought against law enforcement authorities. He said demonstrations will be held at ten locations across Karachi. He said that Jamaat-e-Islami operates as a people movement which will continue its activities without stopping.
The police used baton charges and tear gas shells against party members who attempted to establish a sit-in outside the Sindh Assembly which resulted in multiple people sustaining injuries. Police also reportedly seized a sound system truck and detained ten party workers.
Muneem Zafar who serves as the Karachi chief of Jamaat-e-Islami claimed that police used five-year-old tear gas shells against his workers while he accused the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) of attempting to stop their legal fight.
Sharjeel Memon who serves as the Sindh Senior Minister responded to the allegations by saying that police had issued a warning to the party before they entered the Red Zone but workers started throwing stones at police which led to police making arrests.
The protest comes a day after Jamaat-e-Islami announced a sit-in outside the Sindh Assembly to demand the protection of citizens’ rights in Karachi.
Woman dies in ambulance as PTI protesters blocked motorway at Swabi Interchange
Earlier, Anwar Begum, a resident of Nowshera, died in an ambulance after the motorway was blocked at the Swabi Interchange during the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) ongoing protest.
According to sources, when turnout remained low, a small group of protesters blocked the road, directly affecting commuters and residents. The demonstrations, organised by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), led to significant disruption, with citizens bearing the brunt of the blockade.
Residents said such protests not only paralyse traffic but also disrupt daily life. Businesses suffer losses, daily wage earners return home empty-handed, patients struggle to reach hospitals, and students’ education is affected.
Condemning the incident, members of the public stated that political parties claiming to represent the people should ensure their actions do not endanger lives. They emphasised that resolving issues requires a serious and peaceful approach rather than road closures that create hardship for ordinary citizens.
The incident underscores how political unrest can have tragic consequences, highlighting the need to prioritise public safety in all circumstances.
