KARACHI (MNN); Karachi police on Sunday arrested 45 participants of the Sindh Culture Day rally after clashes erupted when some individuals allegedly pelted law enforcement personnel with stones on Sharea Faisal.
South Deputy Inspector General of Police Syed Asad Raza told reporters that the situation escalated when rally participants attacked police officials, prompting a baton charge and tear gas shelling in response. “We detained 45 people on Sharea Faisal,” DIG Raza said, adding that the South SSP was present at the location and that the situation had been brought under control.
DIG Raza explained that due to the closure of the Red Zone, alternative traffic routes were being provided to citizens. He said the rally participants were advised to move through Lines Area towards Saddar and then to the final venue at the Karachi Press Club (KPC). However, they insisted on marching directly on the main Sharea Faisal via Jinnah Bridge.
“When stopped, they allegedly started throwing stones at the police, injuring five personnel,” he said. This compelled the police to use tear gas to disperse the crowd.
Responding to a question about the roadblock near the Finance and Trade Centre (FTC) flyover, DIG Raza said an advisory had been issued ahead of Sindh Culture Day as multiple rallies were expected to gather at the FTC and move towards KPC through Sharea Faisal. He said law enforcement agencies were instructed not to allow anyone to proceed beyond the FTC due to the sensitive nature of the Red Zone area ahead.
“For this reason, police and Rangers were deployed at the FTC bridge to ensure diversions and to prevent any unauthorized entry,” he added.
Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar took serious notice of the incident and directed immediate action against those involved. According to his office, Lanjar instructed the additional inspector general to arrest anyone damaging police vehicles or public property.
Sindh Culture Day, celebrated annually, brings together thousands of people dressed in traditional attire, wearing Ajraks and Sindhi caps, and dancing to folk tunes played throughout the day.
DIG Raza also recalled previous disturbances during the celebrations. In 2023, violent confrontations between police and participants had occurred, leading to the registration of an FIR. Last year, a police van was damaged, personnel were assaulted, and some participants broke into the Red Zone, reaching KPC via Jinnah Bridge.
He said that between 10 to 12 rallies from various parts of Karachi converged at Fawara Chowk and the KPC with an estimated 17,000 to 18,000 participants.
