Police arrested more than 40 people taking part in the Sindh Culture Day rally after they allegedly threw stones at officers during a dispute over using a road.
Sindh Interior Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar took notice of the violence and directed the Karachi additional IG to act strictly against those who burnt police vehicles and damaged public property.
South DIG Syed Asad Raza said police responded with a baton charge and tear gas after participants attacked law enforcers.
“We have detained 45 people on Sharea Faisal,” DIG Raza said. “The South SSP is present at the spot, and the situation is now under control.”
The DIG said that because the Red Zone was closed, police opened alternative routes for citizens and commuters.
He said law enforcers told the rally participants to take the Lines Area route toward Saddar and then move to the rally venue at the Karachi Press Club (KPC). However, the participants insisted on using Sharea Faisal via Jinnah Bridge.
“When police stopped them, they allegedly started throwing stones, injuring five policemen,” he said. He added that police then used tear gas to disperse the crowd.
Police sources said the participants initially argued with officers over being stopped, and the dispute soon turned into stone-throwing.
The DIG later said that 12 of the 45 arrested people were released after the Karachi Bar Association president provided surety for them.
According to a statement from his office, Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar took strict notice of the Sharea Faisal incident and ordered immediate action against those involved.
During a phone call with the additional inspector general, Lanjar directed, “Arrest anyone who damaged police vehicles or citizens’ property immediately.”
