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Karachi Roads Reopen Amid Sit-In Easing, Protests Persist
Several Karachi roads reopened as protests ease against Parachinar killings, but sit-ins continue at key points. CM Shah vows dialogue and action to restore normalcy.
ND
by News Desk
2024-12-31
Karachi Roads Reopen Amid Sit-In Easing, Protests Persist

Karachi witnessed some relief in its traffic woes on Tuesday as several roads reopened following the easing of sit-ins staged against the recent killings in Parachinar, Kurram District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The demonstrations, organized by the Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen (MWM), expressed solidarity with Parachinar residents, who have been protesting the deteriorating law and order situation since December 20.

Protesters in Parachinar are condemning ongoing violence and a recent brutal incident where two individuals were killed and decapitated in the Bagan area. The MWM’s call for nationwide demonstrations resonated across Karachi, leading to traffic disruptions in 13 key locations.

As of Tuesday, Karachi Traffic Police confirmed the reopening of six roads, including major points such as Jauhar Chowrangi, Five Star Chowrangi, and Ayesha Manzil. However, four critical locations, including Abbas Town, Numaish Chowrangi, Kamran Chowrangi, and University Road near Nipa, remain blocked, with diversions provided to manage the flow of vehicles.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah addressed the situation, confirming administrative action had been taken to clear some roads. He assured the public that negotiations with MWM leaders are ongoing to resolve the protests amicably. Shah emphasized the need for protesters to consider the broader impact on Karachi’s residents and suggested consolidating the demonstrations into a single, non-disruptive location.

Meanwhile, tensions escalated as police resorted to tear gas shelling and baton charges at several points, including Abbas Town and Kamran Chowrangi. MWM spokesperson Syed Ali Ahmer Zaidi condemned the actions, labeling them as “state tyranny against peaceful protesters.” Despite this, the sit-ins continue at strategic locations, with MWM leader Allama Hassan Zafar Naqvi urging demonstrators to keep at least one traffic lane open.

Adding to the unrest, the outlawed Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat (ASWJ) initiated counter-protests at two locations in Karachi, including Sharea Faisal. The group demanded a military operation in Kurram and the implementation of the KP apex committee’s decisions, warning of potential nationwide disruptions.

As Karachi grapples with ongoing protests, CM Shah reassured citizens of continued efforts to reopen the remaining blocked roads through dialogue and necessary administrative measures. However, the resolution of the underlying crisis in Kurram remains crucial to restoring long-term peace.
Tagged:

KurramViolence

KarachiProtests

ParachinarSolidarity
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