Karachi’s District South became a battleground as police violently dispersed a tolerance march protesting religious extremism and the killing of Dr. Shahnawaz Kunbhar, a blasphemy suspect. Prominent activists, including Jamil Chandio and Surath Sindhu, were arrested as police enforced Section 144, which prohibits gatherings of four or more people in an area.
The march, organised as the “Sindh Rawadari March,” aimed to condemn the extrajudicial killing of Dr. Shahnawaz, who was shot dead during a police encounter on September 19. Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar later acknowledged that the police had “staged the encounter.” The event drew progressive voices from across Sindh, including human rights defenders, trade unions, and feminist movements.
As tensions escalated, the religiopolitical party Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) called for a counter-protest at the Karachi Press Club (KPC). However, police blocked their access at Teen Talwar and near Capri cinema, leading to clashes between TLP protesters and law enforcement.
KPC president Saeed Sarbazi reported that police closed all routes to the press club with containers and buses, preventing reporters and camera personnel from entering. South Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Syed Asad Raza confirmed that protesters from both groups had been arrested.
Despite the imposition of Section 144, Sarbazi argued that it should not apply to the KPC, designated as a “Hyde Park” venue where protests are allowed. The Deputy Commissioner for Karachi South, Altaf Sario, claimed that the measure was necessary to prevent riots and violence, especially with foreign dignitaries arriving in Islamabad for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit.
After discussions between Sindh Inspector General of Police Ghulam Nabi Memon and KPC officials, the South DIG ordered the removal of restrictions at the press club. However, police continued to block protesters at various locations, including Sharea Faisal near the Finance & Trade Center and Korangi Road, stopping motorists for checks.
Witnesses and organisers reported heavy police presence throughout the city, as authorities worked to prevent the planned protests, escalating tensions in an already volatile situation.
