JI Karachi Ameer Monem Zafar addresses protesters at Lasbela Chowk, Karachi on February 15. Photo: Express
KARACHI:
Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) observed a nationwide day of protest on Sunday on the appeal of its Ameer Hafiz Naeemur Rehman against police violence and arrest of workers at a protest outside the Sindh Assembly on Saturday.
In Karachi, sit-ins were launched at 10 major arteries in the city. Sit-ins were staged at Shahrah-e-Pakistan, Super Highway, National Highway, Shahrah-e-Orangi, Shahrah-e-Korangi Crossing, Hub River Road (Sher Shah), Dawood Chowrangi, Lea Market, Shahrah-e-Sher Shah Suri Road and Johar Mor on Rashid Minhas Road.
Addressing protesters at Lasbela Chowk, JI Karachi Ameer Monem Zafar said the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) is an anti-Karachi party and has become the establishment’s “A-plus team.”
Zafar said the PPP has usurped the rights of Karachi’s citizens and taken control of the city’s institutions and resources. He criticized the government for patronizing river bandits while registering terror cases against those protesting for Karachi’s rights.
Read more: Several arrested, injured as Karachi police clash with JI protesters near Sindh Assembly
He added that the PPP’s 18-year rule has deprived the people of Karachi of their right to live, but vowed that resistance and struggle would continue.
Meanwhile, a Special Judicial Magistrate (South) handed over 30 JI workers to the police on a one-day physical remand in a case registered under Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA). The workers are accused of arson, damage to public and private property and rioting.
JI Karachi Vice Amir and Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) Leader of Opposition Advocate Saifuddin along with other lawyers and party leaders appeared before the court during the hearing.
The prosecution told the court that the accused were charged with burning property and creating disturbance, with terrorism clauses included in the FIR. The judge remanded them in custody for further investigation.
JI condemns terrorism charges
Advocate Saifuddin strongly criticized the Sindh government for slapping terror charges against the JI peaceful workers who were arrested during a protest outside the Sindh Assembly.
Addressing the media at the district court, he said the workers were exercising their constitutional right against corruption and Karachi’s worsening civic woes as the police launched a brutal crackdown. “It is shameful that terror clauses were added to the FIR while the real terrorism is being carried out by the provincial government itself,” he remarked.
According to JI, the police used excessive force, including the baton and heavy firing, which left four workers seriously injured. Shelling was also reported at two mosques, one of which caught fire. A firefighter was seriously injured when he was hit while trying to put out the fire.
Saifuddin demanded immediate release of all detained workers, withdrawal of false cases.
Over 300 booked
A case had been registered at the Aram Bagh police station on Sunday against a JI sit-in held outside the Sindh Assembly on Saturday, naming 34 people and 325 unidentified participants.
The FIR includes charges of rioting, attempted murder, assault on police, damage to government property, blocking roads, obstruction of official duty, violation of Section 144 and provisions of the Anti-Terrorism Act.
According to the complaint, senior party leaders – including Sufian Dilawar, Usman Sharif, Faizan and Jawad Shoaib – monitored the protest and allegedly incited the crowd through speeches. About 300 to 325 participants were present, some reportedly armed with sticks and sticks.
Police said the crowd turned violent and attacked officers, injuring Inspector Raja Masood, Preedy SHO Ayub Mirani, Shah Faisal Khan SHO and Constable Zohaib. Despite warnings and anti-riot measures, the protesters reportedly remained aggressive, prompting police to use tear gas to disperse them.
About 30 suspects were arrested, while others fled. Police said they recovered five spent 30-bore pistol grenades, five 9mm grenades, 15 wooden sticks, 35 stones and 79 tear gas casings from the site. A police mobile was also damaged during the riots.
