cores of protesters gathered outside the Karachi Press Club last Sunday to demand justice for Dr Shahnawaz Kumbhar, who was fatally shot in an allegedly extrajudicial police action.

Accused of sharing blasphemous posts on social media, Dr Kumbhar died under mysterious circumstances in a ‘police engagement’ in Mirpurkhas. The march had been organised to denounce his death and called for an independent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding it.

In view of the escalating tensions, the administration had invoked Section 144 to prohibit gatherings of four or more individuals. The stated purpose of this action was to prevent a potential clash and violence in Karachi.

However, the Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan called for and launched counter-protests. The protesters were stopped by police near Teen Talwar and Capri cinema.

The gathering next to the Karachi Press Club grew increasingly chaotic as tensions flared between Rawadari March protesters and law enforcement agencies. A participant in the Rawadari March, who wishes to remain anonymous, described the police action as “…alarming, resulting in injuries to numerous organisers.”

She also said that such violence against women protesters tended to tarnish Pakistan’s international image.

The participant said her motivation in joining the protest was to voice opposition to extrajudicial killings. She said it was crucial to ensure accountability of those responsible for the violence.

Police officials later said about a dozen Rawadari activists and 58 members of the TLP faced charges for violating a Section 144 prohibition.

In a recent interview with The News on Sunday, Jamshed Hussain, chairman of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, urged the Sindh government to terminate officers responsible for the maltreatment of protesters during the Rawadari March.

Hussain said that the march had been organised to protest the extrajudicial killing of Dr Kumbhar and to seek justice for his bereaved family. He expressed profound sorrow over Dr Kumbhar’s death. “Our organisation, the HRCP, strongly condemns this act,” said Hussain.

He highlighted the necessity of a functioning judicial system, warning against vigilante justice, especially in cases involving allegations of blasphemy. “Those accused should have the opportunity to defend themselves in the courts,” he said.

Hussain criticised the TLP for organising a counter-march. He said that the counter-protest was launched to undermine the original protest and could have led to dangerous escalation. His comments came amid widespread condemnation of police brutality during the Sindh Rawadari March, which resulted in the detention of several activists. Reports also surfaced of journalists covering the event being beaten.

Hussain also condemned the treatment of Romaisa Chandio during the protest, describing it as “a grave disrespect.” He said there was a dire need for accountability and respect for human rights within the region.

The government actions have attracted close scrutiny in light of recent developments. Following statements of condemnation and apologies from Bakhtawar Bhutto Zardari and Sherry Rehman, the registration of an FIR against the organiser of the Sindh Rawadari March raised questions about the party’s position. Calls for the dismissal of the FIR intensified after ten policemen were suspended from service for their mistreatment of march participants.

Hussain criticised the police’s heavy-handedness against the Rawadari March. He said the purpose of the march was to initiate discourse among the populace and to promote a narrative countering the rising hate in society. “The government must foster an environment where citizens can express their grievances peacefully,” he said.

The public demand for justice and accountability remains unaddressed. Peaceful street demonstrations not only highlight the pressing issues of extrajudicial killings and police brutality but also reflect a broader societal yearning for justice and respect for human rights in Pakistan. The voices of the protesters serve as a reminder of the challenges faced by those advocating for change in a climate of tension and fear.

The way an elected government handles peaceful protesters can make or break its reputation, especially if it claims to advocate for human rights. The police’s treatment of the Rawadari March participants in Karachi has raised serious doubts about the PPP-led Sindh government’s approach to public dissent.

The author is a freelance contributor. He can be reached at arslanshahzad882 @gmail.com