Karachi shopping center anti-encroachment drive: Over dozen protesters released after brief detention

KARACHI: Over one dozen protesters released after a brief detention during a clash between the police and shopkeepers following the anti-encroachment drive at Aladin’s shopping mall began on the directives of the apex court.

As the heavy machinery reached the shopping mall at the Aladin at Rashid Minhas Road to conduct an anti-encroachment operation, the protesters gathered to protest against shops being demolished.

Police said that the protesters turned violent during the protest and also attacked the police with pelting stones, injuring some policemen, added that in retaliation, the police also retaliated and restored to aerial firing and charged the protesters with batons. The clash also caused of traffic jam on Rashid Minhas Road. The police also detained over one dozen violent protesters during the violent clash. “We had detained 15 to 18 protesters but released all of them,” District East SSP Sajid Saduzai told The News. “The operation was halted but it will resume today (Wednesday) again.”

An anti-encroachment drive ordered by the Supreme Court is underway in various parts of the city. The major drive was launched on Tuesday at the Pavilion End Club and a shopping mall constructed at the Aladin as well as Hill Park area. “The Hill Park drive is too sensitive because there is a Masjid but we are trying our level best to do not hurt the religious sentiments and taking the drive calmly,” the officer explained.