On Tuesday, the Karachi police clashed with protesters during an anti-encroachment drive in the Gulistan-i-Jauhar area of the city. The police, equipped in riot control gear, chased the protesters, and one policeman was seen striking a man with his shield, according to television footage.
SSP East Zubair Nazeer Shaikh informed the media that the Karachi Development Authority (KDA) had started an anti-encroachment operation in blocks 10 and 11 of the area as per court directives. The Sindh High Court had previously ordered the KDA to clear 30 acres of land from illegal occupation.
As the operation began, the alleged encroachers put up resistance, prompting the police to take action. SSP Shaikh claimed that the police only used “light action” to disperse the protesters. The demonstrators later blocked the road, while witnesses and rescue services personnel reported baton charges and tear gas shelling by the law enforcement authorities. However, SSP Shaikh denied this claim.
Traffic police reported that the road near Munawar Chowrangi was blocked due to the protest against the anti-encroachment drive, causing traffic to be diverted to alternate routes. So far, no injuries or casualties have been reported.
