Violence Erupts in Karachi as Police Disperse MWM Protests

Violent clashes broke out in Karachi on Monday as police attempted to disperse sit-ins organized by the Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) across the city. The protests, which are in solidarity with the people of Parachinar, were met with resistance, leading to the use of force by the police.

The situation escalated on the National Highway in Malir, where police and protesters clashed, resulting in injuries to several policemen and protesters. According to police officials, 4 people, including one in critical condition, were brought to the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JMCH). The Sindh Chief Minister confirmed that administrative action was taken against protesters at some locations to clear the roads. However, it seems that the measure only further inflamed the tensions, as protesters calmly urged their counterparts to keep one track open for smooth traffic flow.

The clashes also spread to multiple locations across the city, with sit-ins taking place at seven locations, including Numaish Chowrangi, Abbas Town, and Safari Park. Despite being given the option to assemble at one location, the protesters have refused, leading to large-scale road closures. Multiple roads are currently blocked, causing vast inconvenience to commuters and disruptions to the daily routine of the city's residents.

The city police have stated that FIRs will be lodged against those involved in attacking the police, including torching government property and pelting stones at law enforcement personnel. The protests, which have been ongoing for over a week, are an expression of solidarity with the people of Parachinar who have been staging a sit-in against the law and order situation and road closures. With the situation unlikely to improve without a resolution between the government and protesters, it remains to be seen when normalcy will return to the city.

As the situation continues to unfold, the government has maintained that it is not willing to appease the protesters' demands, while the protesters stood firm on their stance. The use of force, coupled with the lack of resolution, has only added to the tensions, setting the stage for further clashes in the days to come.