KARACHI: Karachi police on Monday refuted social media reports claiming widespread protests and sit-ins by Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), assuring citizens that the situation across the city remains peaceful and under control.
Following a wave of online speculation about a “deteriorating situation” in the metropolis, rumours spread that TLP had launched sit-ins at various locations — just hours after calm was restored in Punjab following days of unrest.
Police officials clarified that no demonstrations or sit-ins were taking place anywhere in Karachi. They added that some shops had been voluntarily closed by residents in response to unverified reports, but overall law and order remained stable.
Authorities reaffirmed that Section 144 is in force throughout the city and that no group or individual has been granted permission to hold public protests.
Officials confirmed that a brief TLP protest near Sindhi Hotel in New Karachi had concluded peacefully, with the area cleared and traffic restored.
On Sunday, the Sindh government imposed a province-wide ban on rallies, sit-ins, protests, and public gatherings for one month under Section 144, citing security concerns. The notification, issued by the Home Department at the request of the Inspector General of Sindh Police, restricts assemblies of more than five people from October 12 to November 12 to maintain law and order and prevent any threat to public safety.
The decision followed similar restrictions in Rawalpindi ahead of TLP’s announced protest march. By Monday, normalcy had returned to the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi after police cleared Muridke of protesters and reopened the GT Road for regular traffic.
