QUETTA: On Wednesday, the Kharotabad police station was struck by a grenade during a violent protest demanding the handover of a blasphemy suspect. The suspect was arrested by police following a complaint that led to blasphemy charges.
The protest, led by Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) and other religious groups, involved blocking traffic on the western bypass with burning tyres and staging rallies throughout Quetta. The demonstrators later threw a hand grenade at the Kharotabad police station; however, it detonated outside the building, causing no casualties.
A senior police officer confirmed that an FIR was registered against the suspect, who allegedly used offensive language against the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him). The suspect’s phone conversation, which went viral on social media, sparked widespread outrage and protests.
Protesters blocked roads and gathered at the Kharotabad police station, demanding the suspect’s release to determine his fate themselves. The police responded by informing the protesters that the FIR had been lodged under Sections 295C and 34 of the penal code, and an investigation was in progress.
Following negotiations with TLP leaders, district administration officials and senior police managed to disperse the crowd and reopen the western bypass. TLP later organized additional protests across Quetta, carrying placards and banners to voice their demands.
