Clashes erupt in Karachi during a nationalist group’s cultural day

Violent clashes erupted near the FTC on Shahrae Faisal on Sunday when a nationalist group’s demonstration marking the Sindh Cultural Day tried to move towards the red zone, prompting police to intervene as police detained 35 people arrested from various locations, causing severe traffic disruption along the city’s main artery.

The nationalist group had planned a rally from Shahrah-e-Faisal to Karachi Press Club to celebrate Sindh Cultural Day, which is celebrated on the first Sunday of December. However, police had placed barriers at the FTC building, blocking access to the red zone and directing the demonstration to take an alternative route through the Lines area. Protesters refused to comply, leading to heated exchanges and a confrontation.

“Shahrah-e-Faisal was closed at the FTC point due to security concerns and alternative routes were given to motorists. No one will be allowed to enter the red zone and strict action will be taken against anyone taking the law into their hands,” said SSP South Mehzor Ali.

Mobile footage from the scene also showed protesters throwing stones at a Peoples Bus Service vehicle and harassing passengers. Women and children inside the bus seemed visibly scared. The tense situation prompted the deployment of additional police forces to the scene, and baton charges and tear gas were used to disperse the crowd. Protesters retaliated by throwing stones and causing damage to a police mobile.

SSP Mehzor added that several persons involved in stone pelting, injuring policemen and damaging government property and public property had been arrested. “Legal action will be taken against all violators,” he said. He confirmed that 35 people were detained from various locations.

The clashes caused long queues of traffic on Shahrah-e-Faisal and congestion in the surrounding areas. Roads were reopened as the protesters dispersed.

Sindh United Party condemns police action

Sindh United Party (SUP) President Syed Zain Shah on Sunday condemned the use of tear gas, force and arrests of youth celebrating Sindh’s Culture Day at Shahrae Faisal, saying “Sindhis are being punished for celebrating their own heritage in their own homeland.”

In a statement issued on Sunday, Zain Shah said the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), which has ruled Sindh for the past 18 years, had “hurt the sentiments of Sindhis worldwide” by allowing what he called an “unwarranted suppression” of a peaceful cultural gathering in Karachi.

The present PPP government seems to be ruling through force and intimidation, he said.

Zain Shah said the people of Sindh must recognize the behavior of “those who beat their own citizens just for wearing the Sindhi cap and ajrak and singing their country’s folk songs”. Such actions, he added, strip the government of its “moral authority” to rule the province.

He said the entire province was saddened by the incident. “Those leading anti-Sindh decisions have now targeted peaceful citizens who were dancing and celebrating Sindh’s cultural day at Shahrah-e-Faisal. By resorting to violence and leaving them bloodied, the rulers have demonstrated the worst form of governance.”

Celebrations continue across Karachi despite clashes

Sindh Culture Day was celebrated with enthusiasm across Karachi and the province. Events took place in different parts of the city, including the main ceremony outside the Karachi Press Club and additional gatherings at Fawara Chowk.

Residents wore Sindhi topis and ajraks while men, women and children participated in rallies, presented tableaus and danced to Sindhi songs. Folk artists performed at the Karachi Press Club program and participants raised “Jeay Sindh” slogans to celebrate the province’s cultural heritage.

Netizens celebrate during Sindh Cultural Day musical program outside Karachi Press Club on Sunday. Photo: Express

“Sindh Cultural Day represents the valley’s vibrant cultural heritage, rich traditions and timeless values. It stands for harmony, tolerance and inclusion,” said social activist Shujauddin. He added that ajrak and Sindhi topi symbolize respect, dignity and pride, stressing the need to preserve and promote Sindh’s culture.

Female participants described Sindh’s culture as ancient and historically significant, rooted in thousands of years of tradition. They said the day strengthened commitment to preserve cultural values, heritage and languages ​​including Sindhi, Punjabi, Pashto, Urdu, Balochi, Hindko and Seraiki.

Civil society representatives urged Sindh’s youth to focus on education and merit as a path to progress, describing unity as the real strength of the province. They said Sindh’s music, language and traditions shape its future and reflect the province’s peaceful and tolerant identity.

Attendance at the Karachi Press Club remained vibrant, with heavy security measures in place. The roads around the Press Club were closed and traffic was diverted to alternative routes. Sindh Culture Day is held annually on the first Sunday of December.