Traffic disrupted in Karachi as sit-ins continue at six locations

Despite a police crackdown, demonstrations continued for the ninth consecutive day at six locations in Karachi. The sit-ins were dispersed on Tuesday after police dismantled the protest camps and reopened roads, but were later resumed after a few hours.

At least 11 people, including six cops, were injured in the clashes between police and the protesters during the crackdown against sit-ins in Karachi on Tuesday.  

Currently, two religious parties, Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) and Ahl-e-Sunnat Waljamat (ASWJ), were protesting at six spots in the port city, causing significant traffic disruptions for commuters.

Protests continued at Abul Hasan Isphahani Road, Abbas Town, Kamran Chowrangi, Numaish Chowrangi, Water Pump, Gulbai Pracha Chowk, and Shahra-e-Orangi. 

According to traffic police officials, the roads at the sit-in locations were closed, and vehicles were diverted to alternative thoroughfares.

Earlier, the protest sit-ins ended after clashes broke out between protestor groups and police. The security forces’ crackdown on the demonstrators took place at multiple spots and the police dispersed the protestors. 

However, they used force at Abbas Town, Kamran Chowrangi, Numaish and Malir 15 to clear Abul Hasan Isphahani Road, MA Jinnah Road and the National Highway.

Nevertheless, protesters returned again while another party ASWJ also started sit-ins at several places.

ASWJ announced staging a protest at 60 locations in Karachi, demanding a military operation in Parachinar, compensation to heirs of victims and damages to the property there. 

Apart from this, the MWM spokesperson, in a statement, claimed that the police manhandled the elderly scholar, Allama Syed Hasan Zafar Naqvi, at Numaish. The spokesperson vowed to continue the protest.