KARACHI: Several police officers were suspended on Monday following a major security lapse near the US Consulate in Karachi a day earlier.
After an initial inquiry, the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kemari was suspended along with the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Kemari, the In-charge of the Foreign Security Cell, and the Station House Officers (SHOs) of Dockyard, SITE-B, KPT, and Jackson police stations. A formal notification confirming the suspensions has been issued.
The SDPO Kemari has been directed to report to the Central Police Office (CPO) Karachi, while the concerned SHOs and the Foreign Security Cell in-charge have been instructed to report to police headquarters.
According to officials, the suspension orders were issued on the directives of Murad Ali Shah and Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar.
Inquiry Committee Formed
A six-member high-level inquiry committee has also been constituted to investigate the incident. The committee is headed by the Additional Inspector General of the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD).
Other members include the DIG Headquarters Sindh, DIG Special Branch Sindh, SSP Investigation CTD, and AIGs Establishment and Operations. The committee has been tasked with submitting its findings within one week.
Deadly Clashes Near Consulate
The suspensions follow violent clashes on March 1 between police and protesters marching towards the US Consulate after the reported killing of Ali Khamenei in a joint US–Israeli strike.
At least 10 people were killed and dozens injured during unrest near MT Khan Road and Mai Kolachi Road. The information wing of Edhi Welfare Organisation confirmed that nine bodies were shifted to the Civil Hospital Trauma Center, while authorities at the facility reported that 32 injured individuals were brought in for treatment. Identification of the deceased is ongoing.
An official Sindh government statement said demonstrators breached the external security perimeter of the consulate, entered the premises, and caused property damage.
In response, authorities have placed containers around the consulate to reinforce security amid concerns of further protests. Additional Inspector General Karachi Azad Khan and Karachi Commissioner Syed Hasan Naqvi visited the site to review security measures and oversee law and order arrangements.
