Maps
Magazine

LEGAL

Section 144 Imposed in Karachi Central After Mob Violence, Arson
Karachi imposes Section 144 in District Central after mobs torch vehicles and target fast-food chains amid Gaza protests. 19 arrested. Ban on gatherings till Saturday.
ND
by News Desk
2025-04-12
Section 144 Imposed in Karachi Central After Mob Violence, Arson

The Karachi administration has imposed Section 144 in the city’s District Central, banning all public gatherings until Saturday.

The decision comes after multiple heavy vehicles were torched and global fast-food outlets came under mob attacks earlier this week. On April 9, at least nine dumper trucks and water tankers were set on fire by rioters near Power House Chowrangi and 4-K Chowrangi following a traffic accident in which a truck hit a motorcyclist, leaving him injured.

Authorities arrested 19 suspects allegedly involved in the attacks and booked them under terrorism charges and other sections of the law. The same group has also been accused of attempting to target international food chains like KFC.

A notification issued by Karachi Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi on April 11 stated that "all forms of protests, demonstrations, sit-ins, rallies, and assemblies of more than five persons" are prohibited in District Central. The notification cited intelligence and police reports indicating the area remains sensitive and vulnerable to further disturbances.

Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) allows the district administration to restrict gatherings of four or more people in a defined area for a limited period to maintain public order. The ban was requested by Additional Inspector General of Police Javed Akhtar Odho in light of growing unrest.

The commissioner noted that the area was already under stress, with five FIRs registered over violent incidents. Station house officers (SHOs) have been authorized to take action against violators under Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), which deals with disobedience to lawful orders.

The unrest appears to stem from widespread anger over the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Religious and political groups have called for a boycott of international brands perceived to support Israel. However, religious leaders have urged demonstrators to keep their protests peaceful and avoid damaging property.

Between April 7 and 9, at least three restaurants were attacked in Karachi. A fourth attack was foiled on April 10. Police confirmed the arrest of 10 Tehreek Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) activists in one such incident.

The violence has not been limited to Karachi. In Mirpurkhas, a restaurant was set on fire, while in Larkana, stones were hurled at a KFC outlet. Lahore’s Defence Housing Authority (DHA) also witnessed an attack, where protestors smashed windows of an international fast-food restaurant.

Religio-political parties like Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) have advocated for peaceful protests and boycotts in response to Israel’s ongoing military actions in Gaza, which have killed over 50,000 Palestinians since October 7, 2023.

Mass rallies were held nationwide yesterday to show solidarity with the people of Gaza, but the recent turn toward mob violence has prompted urgent action from local authorities to prevent further chaos.
Tagged:

KarachiNews

Section144

PakistanProtests

MobViolence

GazaSolidarity
Share News: