KARACHI: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) has announced protest sit-ins at 10 key locations across Karachi on Sunday after authorities blocked its demonstration outside the Sindh Assembly through tear gas shelling and baton charge, according to media reports.
JI Karachi Chief Munem Zafar said the sit-ins would be staged at major arteries including Shahrah-e-Faisal, National Highway, Korangi, and other prominent points across the city.
“The struggle will not stop,” Zafar declared, accusing the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) of adopting what he termed “fascist” tactics to suppress peaceful protest.
He alleged that police used expired tear gas shells, claiming some dated back to 2022, against demonstrators. Criticising the provincial authorities, he said the government was unwilling to grant Karachi its due rights.
“Those who live off our taxes are the ones throwing shells at us,” Zafar said, adding that JI’s core demands include a strong local government system and the protection of citizens’ fundamental right to live safely in Karachi.
Referring to the protest day, he noted that businesses on Burns Road remained open, while accusing provincial minister Sharjeel Memon of turning parts of the city into a “no-go area.”
Zafar claimed that a large number of citizens and party activists were injured during the police action. He further alleged that Karachi residents have been deprived of basic civic rights and essential services, including water, electricity, and public transport.
Maintaining that the city stands in solidarity with JI, he vowed that despite attempts by what he described as “oppressive forces” to halt the protest, the party would proceed with its planned sit-ins across Karachi.
