2022 Karachi protests
| Date | 26 January 2022 |
|---|---|
| Location | Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan |
| Cause | Local Government Amendment Bill in Sindh |
| Perpetrator | Muttahida Qaumi Movement – Pakistan (MQM-P) |
| Outcome | One protester killed, several injured, MQM-P leaders and workers arrested |
| Casualties | |
| 1 protester killed, several injured | |
| Deaths | 1 |
| Non-fatal injuries | Several |
| Arrests | MQM leaders and workers |
On 26 January 2022, members of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement staged a sit-in protest in front of the Chief Minister's House in Karachi, Pakistan, against the Local Government Amendment Bill in Sindh.[1] The police baton-charged and shelled protest demonstrators on violation of the Red Zone, killing a protester and injuring several others.[2][3][4][5]
As a result of the baton charge, several workers including a member of the Sindh Assembly, Sadaqat Hussain, were tortured and arrested. The area around the Chief Minister's House was turned into a battlefield as police and protesters clashed.[5]
The protesters were supposed to protest outside the Karachi Press Club but suddenly the MQM leaders and workers changed their destination and reached outside the Chief Minister's House and staged a sit-in.[6] Sindh Information Minister Saeed Ghani said that the situation was such that the police had to take action. The MQM announced to go to the press club but then they started coming to the Chief Minister's House.[7] The incident also took place as Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan supporters were staging demonstrations across the area.[8][2][9][10]
Reactions
Federal Minister Asad Umar strongly condemned the violence at the MQM protests in Karachi and said that "the dictatorial style of government of the PPP in the guise of democracy was highly reprehensible."[11] Members of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) movement vowed to hold protests in solidarity with the MQM.[10]
Muttahida Qaumi Movement – Pakistan convener Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui said, "We will observe a black day against this incident and demands action against Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah".[12]
Prime Minister Imran Khan said that he had taken notice of the violence of the police against the protesters and had demanded a report from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Chief Secretary Sindh and Inspector General of Sindh Police.[13]
References
- ^ "Disputed LG Bill : MQM-P worker dies as police baton-charge activists outside CM House". www.thenews.com.pk. Archived from the original on 2022-01-27. Retrieved 2022-01-27.
- ^ a b Ali, Tahir Siddiqui | Imtiaz (2022-01-27). "One dies, many hurt as police baton-charge MQM-P sit-in". DAWN.COM. Archived from the original on 2022-01-27. Retrieved 2022-01-28.
- ^ "Police baton charge MQM-P protesters in Karachi". The Express Tribune. January 26, 2022. Archived from the original on January 27, 2022. Retrieved January 27, 2022.
- ^ Ali, Imtiaz (January 26, 2022). "Karachi police fire tear gas, baton-charge MQM-P protesters outside Sindh CM House". DAWN.COM. Archived from the original on January 27, 2022. Retrieved January 27, 2022.
- ^ a b "One dead, several injured as police baton-charge, tear-gas MQM-P protesters in Karachi". www.geo.tv. Archived from the original on 2022-01-27. Retrieved 2022-01-27.
- ^ "Sensitive security situation related to PSL: Saeed Ghani". Archived from the original on 2022-01-27. Retrieved 2022-01-27.
- ^ "Saeed Ghani defends police action against MQM-P protestors". 26 January 2022. Archived from the original on 27 January 2022. Retrieved 27 January 2022.
- ^ "Pakistan: Political party calls for protests at major intersections in Karachi, Sindh Province, Jan. 26". Pakistan: Political party calls for protests at major intersections in Karachi, Sindh Province, Jan. 26 | Crisis24. Archived from the original on 2022-01-28. Retrieved 2022-01-28.
- ^ "JI calls off sit-in in Karachi after successful talks with Sindh Govt". www.radio.gov.pk. Archived from the original on 2022-01-28. Retrieved 2022-01-28.
- ^ a b "Police baton charge MQM-P protesters in Karachi". The Express Tribune. 2022-01-26. Archived from the original on 2022-01-27. Retrieved 2022-01-28.
- ^ "Sindh govt with amended LG bill 'seeks to endanger Pakistan': Asad Umar". www.thenews.com.pk. Archived from the original on 2022-01-27. Retrieved 2022-01-27.
- ^ "MQM-P announces black day, demands action against CM | SAMAA". Samaa TV. Archived from the original on 2022-01-28. Retrieved 2022-01-28.
- ^ "PM seeks report of police violence against MQM-P's peaceful protest". www.thenews.com.pk. Archived from the original on 2022-01-28. Retrieved 2022-01-28.