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FIR Filed Under Terrorism Charges After Sindh Culture Day Rally Turns Violent in Karachi
A Sindh Culture Day rally in Karachi turned violent as police and participants clashed near Sharea Faisal. An FIR with terrorism charges has been registered against 12 named and 300+ unidentified individuals.
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by Muhammad Hashir
2025-12-08
FIR Filed Under Terrorism Charges After Sindh Culture Day Rally Turns Violent in Karachi

The chaos erupted when a rally heading from the airport side toward Saddar attempted to move through the Red Zone via Sharea Faisal in violation of Section 144, which bars public gatherings across Sindh. Officers blocked the procession near the FTC flyover, leading to a confrontation.

The FIR — a copy of which is available with Dawn — names 12 arrested individuals and includes 300–400 unidentified participants. The suspects face multiple charges under the Pakistan Penal Code, including rioting, attempted murder, obstructing public servants, and causing damage to property. Importantly, Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act has also been invoked.

Inspector Abdul Majeed Abro, the complainant, stated that the rally participants blocked the main road, pelted stones at police, damaged vehicles — including a rescue ambulance and a police mobile — and allegedly opened fire. He added that the crowd also shouted “anti-state” slogans.

In response, law enforcement fired tear gas to disperse the crowd and prevent further damage. Police initially detained 45 people, later releasing 12.

Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar took notice of the incident and ordered swift action against all involved.

South DIG Syed Asad Raza told Dawn that officers had instructed the rally to use the Lines Area route toward Saddar and eventually the Karachi Press Club (KPC), but “they were adamant about using Sharea Faisal from Jinnah Bridge.” When stopped, some participants allegedly attacked police with stones, injuring five personnel.

An advisory issued beforehand had warned that multiple rallies were expected to converge near the FTC before heading toward KPC. According to the DIG, 10–12 rallies eventually gathered at Fawara Chowk/KPC, attracting an estimated 17,000 to 18,000 participants.

Sindh Culture Day, celebrated annually on the first Sunday of December since 2009, features cultural processions, musical performances, debates, and literary events honouring Sindh’s heritage. While most gatherings remained peaceful, this particular rally escalated into one of the day’s most violent episodes.

Investigations are ongoing.
Tagged:

Police

Karachi

ShareaFaisal

SindhCultureDay
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