A Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan supporter was allegedly killed in clashes with law enforcement agencies during a protest against blasphemy near the Karachi Press Club on Sunday amid a ban on public gatherings.
Separately, at least 35 people were arrested as police clashed with marchers from Sindh protesting the killing of blasphemy suspect Dr Shahnawaz Kunbhar and “extremism in Sindh” outside the above mentioned site for violating Section 144 of the CrPC.
“We strongly condemn the arrest of HRCP Sindh vice-chair Qazi Khizer Habib and numerous other protestors at the Sindh Rawadari March, including trade union leader Zahra Khan and rights activists Sorath Lohar, Ali Palh and Jami Chandio,” the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan said in a post on X.
TV footage and videos on social media showed police dragging and baton-charging protesters. They also fired tear gas at participants of the protest.
Sufi singer Saif Samejo was also among those detained. Later in the day, singer-cum-philanthropist Shehzad Roy said that Samejo was “safe and home.”
Police blocked several roads in Karachi, including the Super Highway, in anticipation of protests by civil society organisations against extremism and a rally planned by the TLP at the Karachi Press Club.
The “Sindh Rawadari March” brought together protesters outside the press club to denounce the extrajudicial killing of Dr Shahnawaz. He had been accused of posting blasphemous content on social media and was shot dead during a police encounter in Mirpurkhas on September 19. Following an investigation into the incident, Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar admitted that the police had “staged the encounter.”
The march featured a coalition of progressive voices from across Sindh, including human rights advocates, trade unions, and feminist organizations, all united in their call for justice and accountability.
Sindhu Nawaz, the leader of the protest march, reported to BBC Urdu that their home in Hyderabad was raided on Saturday. Nationalist leaders Niaz Kalani and Riaz Chandio were also arrested following police raids on their homes. The situation remains tense as the protests continue.
“The conduct of the police, who have baton-charged and assaulted protestors, including young women, is inexcusable. The Sindh government must take immediate notice of this incident. All those arrested must be released immediately and unconditionally,” the HRCP said.
Participants of the protest were set to travel from the Teen Talwar area to the press club, with support from numerous civil society organizations, including the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, Tolerance Movement, Aurat March, Minority March, and Women’s Democratic Front.
Simultaneously, the TLP announced its rally from Teen Talwar, instructing its workers to gather at the location. Authorities erected barriers on the Shahrah-e-Faisal near the FTC and sealed the area around Teen Talwar.
Later, the civil society rally managed to remove obstacles and reach the press club, where tensions escalated into a confrontation between protesters and police.
On the other side of the road, near Saddar, heavy police and Rangers presence attempted to block Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan activists.
During this standoff, police also used tear gas against the protesters. In the chaos, a police vehicle was allegedly set on fire by TLP demonstrators.
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One person was killed due to gunfire near the Saddar Metro Pole, according to the religio-political party. The deceased was identified as Aamir Aziz.
Later, Rangers dispersed the protesters.
Access to the press club has also been restricted, preventing journalists from entering. Police have sealed all entry and exit points to Teen Talwars and Clifton.
A significant police force was deployed at the Toll Plaza, with checkpoints established on major highways, including near the FTC. Traffic was disrupted due to such checkpoints and road closures.
In a communique, Sindh Home Minister Ziaula Hasan Lanjar said that the Karachi commissioner Section 144 to avoid a clash between civil society and a religious party as they had announced protests on the same day.
He said that some protestors had been arrested for violation and would be “dealt with strictly.” Lanjar said that he had ordered an enquiry into manhandling of journalists by police.
He said that those who took the law in their hands “would face the music” without any discrimination.
