Allama Syed Hassan Zafar Naqvi, a central leader of the Majlis-e-Wahdat-ul-Muslimeen (MWM), has vowed to continue protests in Karachi despite a police crackdown that forcibly ended several demonstrations earlier today. In an emergency press conference, Naqvi declared that the protests will resume at locations where they were previously dispersed.

The protests, taking place at 12 locations across the city, began several days ago in solidarity with victims of violent incidents in Parachinar. This morning, police launched an operation to dismantle the sit-ins, leading to heightened tensions in various areas.

In Abbas Town, police reportedly used shelling and aerial firing, turning the area into a battleground. While police claim to have dispersed protests at five locations within 90 minutes, four new protests have since begun.

Naqvi expressed anger and disbelief at the police action, stating that despite initial attempts at peaceful resolution and dialogue with Sindh government representatives, the police launched a violent attack on protesters, including women and children.

He accused the Sindh government of deceptive intentions, implying that the earlier expressions of sympathy were a ruse.

Naqvi’s defiant statement included strong condemnations of the police actions, vowing to continue the protests regardless of the consequences. He challenged the authorities to continue their crackdown, asserting that the MWM’s commitment to the cause is unwavering and likened their resolve to that of Karbala.

He called upon all Muslims in Sindh and Pakistan to join the protests. While acknowledging the potential for disrupting the federal government, he stated that this was not the MWM’s intention.

Meanwhile, a grand jirga convened to address the situation in Parachinar’s Kurram district failed to reach a conclusive agreement yesterday. However, an agreement is expected today, with a further grand jirga scheduled for today at the Commissioner’s House in Kohat.