Protests in Karachi Over Parachinar Violence in Pakistan Lead to Clashes, Injuries

Pakistan : At least 11 individuals, including six police officers, were injured on Tuesday during efforts by Karachi police to disperse sit-ins held across the city. The protests were organized in response to recent killings in Parachinar, Kurram District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, as reported by local authorities.

The Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen (MWM), a religiopolitical party, had called for nationwide demonstrations to express solidarity with Parachinar residents, who have been staging sit-ins since December 20. These protests aim to highlight the deteriorating law and order situation and road closures in the region.

Background and Violence in Kurram

The protests stemmed from ongoing violence in Kurram, including a recent incident where two individuals were killed and decapitated in the Bagan area. MWM spokesperson Syed Ali Ahmer Zaidi criticized the police's use of tear gas and baton charges at various locations, including Abbas Town, Power House, and Kamran Chowrangi. He alleged state oppression against peaceful protesters while noting that demonstrations continued at Numaish Chowrangi, Ancholi, and Rizvia Society.

Clashes erupted on the National Highway in Malir, where protesters allegedly resorted to firing. According to Malir Superintendent of Police (SP) Saeed Rind, two officers sustained bullet injuries. Protesters, however, accused the police of firing directly at them, causing injuries to at least nine individuals, two of whom were critically wounded.

Injuries and Hospitalizations

Police surgeon Dr. Summaiya Syed reported that four injured individuals, including one critically injured by a bullet to the head, were brought to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre. Three additional police officers injured by blunt objects were also treated. In another incident at Numaish Chowrangi, a protester with a gunshot wound and three injured police officers, including a station house officer, were brought to Civil Hospital Karachi.

Protester and Police Statements

The MWM condemned the police's actions, accusing them of using excessive force, including firing on protesters. Allama Hassan Zafar Naqvi, a senior religious scholar, was reportedly assaulted by paramilitary forces, drawing further criticism. MWM leaders called for continued protests, vowing not to succumb to threats or violence.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah confirmed “administrative action” was taken to reopen roads but emphasized that negotiations were ongoing. He stated that blocking public roads was not a solution to the ongoing crisis in Kurram.

Counter-Protests by Outlawed Groups

Separately, the banned Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat (ASWJ) initiated counter-protests in Karachi, threatening to disrupt railway operations nationwide. The group called for a military operation in Kurram and the implementation of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa apex committee's decisions.

Road Closures and Traffic Disruptions

By Tuesday evening, the Karachi Traffic Police reported that six of the 13 protest sites had been cleared for traffic. However, significant disruptions remained at several key locations, including Numaish Chowrangi and Kamran Chowrangi, prompting diversions and alternate routes for commuters.

MWM leaders maintained that the protests would persist until Parachinar roads were reopened and violence in Kurram was addressed. They accused the government of aligning with sectarian groups and undermining public demands. The MWM also called on PPP leaders Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and Asif Ali Zardari to intervene and halt what they described as state oppression.

The situation remains tense, with both protesters and authorities bracing for further developments as the stand-off continues.