The Sindh government has urged the religio-political party Majlis Wahdat Muslimeen (MWM) to limit sit-ins at 14 different locations in Karachi against the Parachinar crisis to a single location due to traffic disruptions. People are facing difficulties. Citizens.
“[A] The Jirga has decided on the Karam issue. […] The protest sit-ins in Karachi must end now,” Sindh government spokesperson Sadia Javed said in a televised statement earlier this evening.
Commuting has become a nightmare for many citizens as traffic jams occur at various points and commuters have to take diversions, which worsens the traffic situation on other arteries as well.
Protests have been going on for six consecutive days at 14 different places, including important highways.
Among other areas, protests are currently underway at Exhibition Chowrangi, Natha Khan Bridge on Sharjah Faisal, in front of KDA Flats in Sarjani Town, Golimar, Power House Chowrangi, near Safari Park on University Road, Korangi No. Two and a Half, Five. Star Chowrangi in North Nazimabad, Abul Hasan Isfahani Road, Kamran Chowrangi in Gulistan Johar, Incholi Society, and near Ayesha Manzil.
However, traffic police say that alternative routes have been provided for the convenience of passengers.
The protest comes amid a worsening security situation in Parachinar, where more than 130 people have been killed in clashes since November, a flashpoint for recent tensions between the two tribal groups.
In a statement today, a Sindh government spokesperson urged the protesting party to “realize the suffering of the citizens of Karachi” as they face severe hardships due to road closures.
He pointed out that life in Karachi has been paralyzed due to the protests, adding that even ambulances are facing difficulties in reaching certain areas.
“If you [protesters] Want to continue the sit-ins, move it to a ground or [road] Outside the press club,” Javed added, assuring the government’s readiness to provide facilities.
Karachi Police Chief meeting with MWM leaders
In a separate development, Karachi Police Chief Javed Alam Odhu and Commissioner Syed Hasan Naqvi visited the protest site on the main MA Jinnah Road near Nizam.
During his visit, he also met leaders of religious and political parties for talks.
The police chief urged the protest party to limit their sit-in to Durg Road as the commuters were facing severe problems.
Also, addressing a press conference, MWM senior leader Hasan Zafar Naqvi said the nature of the protest was peaceful, adding: “Our sit-ins are non-communal and for people of all backgrounds. are open, people from different walks of life are joining it. We are in solidarity.”
Despite the long demonstration, Hassan made it clear that the participants were not presenting any specific demands for negotiations. He said that we are not here to advance any demand; Our protest is proof of our stand and principles.
He said that Parachinar is ready to end the sit-in in Karachi when the protest ends. He further said that we have given these sit-ins on the request of Allama Raja Nasir Abbas and will end them on his instructions.
Talking about the challenges faced in Parachinar, Hasan highlighted that the region is suffering from fundamental problems.
Even helicopters lack fuel and gas to operate effectively, he said, stressing the urgent need to address these issues.
The MWM leader confirmed the peaceful nature of the protests and their cause. “Our protest is non-violent and our aim is to raise voice against all forms of oppression,” he said.
However, he expressed concern over the negative propaganda being spread against his sit-ins. “There is a deliberate campaign to discredit our peaceful protests,” Hassan added.
He warned the Sindh government not to use their ongoing protest for political gain. He clarified that it was not a protest organized by any political party. Instead, it is a protest for the oppressed, and people from all walks of life are participating.
“If we call for sit-ins across Sindh, the government will not be able to stop them,” the MWM leader added, pointing to the growing circle of protests.
Reiterating the peaceful and inclusive nature of the protests, Hassan claimed that their protests had not affected daily life.
“We have kept one lane open at each protest site, ensuring that no business is affected,” he said.
A day earlier, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab criticized the continued road closures in Karachi “under the guise of protest”, saying it was an inappropriate practice.
The mayor also reprimanded the protesters for damaging the newly constructed roads. “Who allowed them to damage the recently constructed roads in New Karachi,” he said while talking to reporters.
Murtaza said that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government should solve the problem of Parachinar. However, he added, blocking the arteries would not serve the purpose. He expressed regret that whenever something happens anywhere in the country, demonstrations are held in Karachi and roads are blocked.
Meanwhile, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah appealed to the protesters to refrain from causing trouble to the public, saying: “Blocking roads in Karachi and Sukkur will not solve the Parachinar problem.”
Parachinar, located in Kurram, is a tribal district near the Afghan border with a population of around 600,000. It has long been the center of controversy.
Recent clashes have created a humanitarian crisis, with shortages of medicine and oxygen exacerbated by the closure of the highway connecting Parachinar to Peshawar.
In relief efforts, the Sindh Governor’s Office announced that a helicopter carrying medical supplies and other aid had reached Parachinar. These provisions were sent on the instructions of the Governor of Sindh to deal with the growing crisis.