KARACHI: The Sindh Police has registered a formal case against the senior leadership and hundreds of workers of Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) following a violent protest and sit-in attempt outside the Sindh Assembly. The First Information Report (FIR) was lodged at the Aram Bagh Police Station on behalf of the state, nominating 34 specific individuals alongside 325 unidentified persons for their alleged involvement in the unrest.
Charges and Allegations The FIR incorporates several serious legal provisions under the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) and the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA). The accused face charges of rioting, vandalism, blocking public thoroughfares, and interference in state affairs. Additionally, the case highlights the violation of Section 144 and organized attacks on police officials during the demonstration.
Details of the Incident According to the FIR, the protest was spearheaded by JI leaders including Sufyan Dilawar, Usman Sharif, Faizan, and Jawwad Shoaib. The police claim the leadership incited the crowd through provocative speeches and slogans, leading to a volatile situation. The document states that the protesters, numbering between 300 and 325, were armed with sticks and batons. The situation escalated when the mob allegedly attacked police personnel on duty.
Casualties and Arrests The clash resulted in injuries to several officers, including Inspector Raja Masood, SHO Preedy Ayub Mirani, SHO Inspector Shah Faisal Khan, and Police Constable Zohaib. Law enforcement officials maintained that they repeatedly used megaphones to warn the crowd to disperse before deploying anti-riot measures. When the protesters remained defiant, police used tear gas to clear the area. While 30 individuals were arrested at the scene, many others managed to escape.
