Nine cops suspended over excessive use of force at protest outside KPC

In the aftermath of Sunday’s violent protests by the Sindh Rawadari March (SRM) and the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) in Karachi’s Red Zone, police have registered two cases against multiple individuals involved in the unrest.

Nine police officials, including six women constables, have also been suspended following allegations of misconduct and excessive use of force during the protest outside the Karachi Press Club (KPC).

Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar summoned the provincial police chief and directed the forming of a high-level committee to ensure a transparent and impartial investigation into the matter.

The cases filed at the Artillery Maidan police station on the complaint of SHO Zahid Hussain include charges of violation of Section 144, rioting, armed confrontation, firing resulting in injuries, murder, interference in government duties, damage to public property, kidnapping and violations under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA).

A total of 12 individuals from the SRM and 55 members of the TLP, including several senior leaders, have been named in the FIRs. FIR No. 179/24 was lodged under sections 144, 145 and 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code for defying the ban on public gatherings.

Twelve individuals associated with the SRM — Panhal Sario, Saif Samejo, Hamza Ali Chandio, Nasir Mansoor, Ali Mustaqeem, Muhammad Parel Marri, Ghulam Sagheer, Ali, Ahmed Shabbir, Idrees, Bilawal and Bakshal Thallu — have been implicated.

The SHO mentioned in the FIR that 90 to 100 individuals had gathered outside the KPC to engage in the shouting of provocative slogans. Despite the imposition of Section 144, which prohibits gatherings of five or more people, the crowd continued to assemble. Using a loudspeaker, police urged the protesters to disperse, but they refused to comply.

FIR No. 180/24 includes a wider array of charges, from attempted murder and property damage to violations under the ATA. This FIR names the provincial leadership of the TLP, including Muhammad Qasim Fakhri, Arif Sultan Puri and Sultan Madani, alongside 52 workers.

According to the FIR, a rally of 500 to 600 participants from the TLP was proceeding near Metropole on Sharea Faisal. Despite being warned about the ban on rallies, the crowd grew increasingly agitated, leading to stone-pelting, firing in the air and attacks on law enforcers.

Armed individuals allegedly fired at police and Rangers with the intent to kill, and set fire to a Gizri police station vehicle, destroying weapons and equipment. In the ensuing chaos, one civilian, identified as 55-year-old Muhammad Majid Aziz, was fatally shot, while two police officers, Faiz Muhammad and Faraz Shah, suffered injuries.

Separately, in view of the alleged police brutality outside the KPC, the South Zone police chief has suspended nine police officials, including Eidgah SHO Zaheer Ahmed Khan. The other suspended officials are Head Constable Affan, and constables Naila Rehman, Bibi Maryam, Ayesha Rehman, Misbah Rashid, Bibi Amna, Hina Gul and Syed Ameen. This action was taken after widespread criticism over the mishandling of female protesters.

A notification issued by the DIG South confirmed that the suspended officers have been transferred to the Garden Headquarters’ suspended company. They are also required to participate in daily roll calls and parades during the suspension period.

Additionally, the SSP City has been tasked with initiating departmental inquiries against the suspended officers, with a report expected within 14 days. An internal investigation into SHO Khan’s role in the incident is also under way.

The high-level committee that Lanjar has ordered to be formed will be headed by DIG Special Branch Fida Hussain Mastoi, with DIG West Irfan Ali Baloch and SSP AVLC Arif Aslam Rao as members. They have been given a five-day deadline to submit their findings.

Lanjar has vowed that those responsible for the excessive use of force would be held accountable. The violent protests and subsequent police actions have further fuelled tensions in the city, with growing concerns over the conduct of both law enforcement and protest organisers in an increasingly volatile situation.