KARACHI: Residents of the port city continue to face severe traffic disruptions as sit-ins by Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) over the Parachinar crisis entered their ninth day on Wednesday.
Currently, sit-ins are being staged at seven locations by MWM protesters and Sunni group Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat (ASWJ), whose protests began on Tuesday.
According to traffic police, roads from Abul Hassan Isphahani Road, Abbas Town to Sohrab Goth, and Kamran Chowrangi to Mosamiyat are blocked.
Additionally, the route from Numaish Chowrangi to Guru Mandir and from Water Pump to Ancholi remains closed.
The road from University Road near Safari Park to Safoora Chowrangi is also blocked. Meanwhile, the route from Gulbai to Paracha Chowk is closed, though the opposite track remains open. The road from Orangi Town to Banaras is also inaccessible.
FIRs Registered
An FIR was registered at Soldier Bazar Police Station regarding a clash between protesters and police at Numaish Chowrangi.
The FIR includes anti-terrorism charges along with murder, attempted murder, rioting, and damaging government property. It claims the protesters attacked police officers attempting to disperse them.
A few individuals were named in the FIR alongside 300 to 350 unidentified persons, including 50 to 60 women and 250 to 300 men. It also mentions the recovery of five bullet casings from a 30-bore pistol at the scene.
Second Case in Malir
Another FIR was lodged at Saudabad Police Station in Malir regarding clashes on the National Highway. It names three individuals and 150 unidentified persons.
The FIR states that protesters attacked police with sticks, pelted stones, and opened fire, injuring constables Zaigham and Ayaz Gul. Stone pelting damaged a police vehicle, and three motorcycles were set ablaze.
Sindh Government’s Stance
Sindh government spokesperson Sadia Javed vowed strict action against those attacking police, asserting that no one would be allowed to spread anarchy.
She added that Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah assured the protesters that the government would facilitate them if they agreed to protest at a single location.
