FIR lodged against 30 JI demonstrators following Red Zone sit-in in Karachi

KARACHI: Law enforcement authorities in Karachi have registered a case under the Anti-Terrorism Act against leaders and workers of Jamaat-e-Islami following violent incidents during a sit-in near the Sindh Assembly in the Red Zone.

The first information report (FIR) was filed at Aram Bagh Police Station under a state complaint, citing charges including rioting, unlawful assembly, obstruction of official duties, acts of violence, and violation of Section 144.

The FIR states that inflammatory speeches were delivered during the protest, and a group of approximately 300 to 325 participants suddenly became violent, engaging in vandalism. Thirty individuals have been specifically named in the complaint.

The clashes occurred on Saturday when police attempted to disperse the demonstrators with baton charges and tear gas. Protesters reportedly responded by throwing stones, resulting in confrontations that led to multiple arrests.

Authorities confirmed that more than ten participants were taken into custody during the operation. A sound system truck accompanying the rally was also confiscated. Police officials reported that at least three officers sustained injuries during the stone-pelting by protesters.