The Sindh Rawadari March, a protest led by human rights groups, trade unions, and feminist movements, took place outside the Karachi Press Club (KPC). Protesters condemned the extrajudicial killing of Dr Shahnawaz, who was shot by police after being accused of blasphemy. Pics/ PTI & X
Updated On: 2024-10-14 02:29 PM IST
Compiled by : Sanjana Deshpande
The protest violated Section 144, which prohibits large gatherings, leading to police intervention. Officers used baton charges to disperse the demonstrators, including women.
A counter-protest by Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) was also staged near the KPC, resulting in confrontations with police as the group tried to reach the protest site.
Clashes escalated when police and protesters, including TLP activists, confronted each other in the Red Zone near Metropole Hotel. Reports suggest that one protester was killed and others were injured in the violence, including police officers.
Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar confirmed that Section 144 was enforced to prevent clashes between the two groups. He condemned the violence and assured an inquiry into the actions of police against women protesters.
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) and the Sindh Human Rights Commission (SHRC) condemned the arrests and police response, calling for the immediate release of the detained participants and protection of citizens' rights to protest.
Saeed Sarbazi, President of KPC, criticised the barricading of roads, which hindered journalists from accessing the protest site. He asserted that the KPC, designated as a protest area, should be exempt from Section 144 restrictions.
Police arrested over 70 TLP activists following the clashes and filed FIRs against both TLP members and civil society groups involved in the protests. Police denied arresting any journalists or women during the march.
