"The participants threw stones at police officers."
Karachi police arrested 45 participants during the Sindh Cultural Day rally after clashes escalated on Sharea Faisal.
The incident reportedly began when some participants allegedly pelted stones at police personnel, prompting immediate action.
South Deputy Inspector General of Police Syed Asad Raza confirmed that police responded with both a baton charge and tear gas shells.
DIG Raza noted that the South SSP was present to manage the situation, confirming:
“We detained 45 people on Sharea Faisal.”
Authorities assured commuters that traffic was being redirected due to the Red Zone closure, providing alternative routes for public safety.
Raza added that police had instructed rally participants to take the Lines Area route toward Saddar and the Karachi Press Club.
However, many attendees insisted on moving along Sharea Faisal from Jinnah Bridge, ignoring police directions and creating tension at multiple points.
He said: “The participants threw stones at police officers when stopped, injuring five personnel.”
Police sources reported that a verbal dispute over being stopped on the route escalated into stone-throwing, sparking further chaos.
DIG Raza explained the rationale for blocking the road at the Finance and Trade Centre flyover to prevent any unauthorised movement.
“Advisories were issued for the Cultural Day, as multiple rallies were expected to assemble and move toward the KPC via Sharea Faisal.”
Authorities emphasised that past incidents in the area necessitated tight security, as the route leads to the sensitive Red Zone installations.
To enforce the diversion and prevent unauthorised access, police and rangers were deployed at the FTC bridge as a precautionary measure.
Following the arrests, 12 of the 45 detainees were released on the surety of the Karachi Bar Association president, easing immediate tensions.
Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar condemned the stone-pelting incident and ordered prompt action against those damaging police and public property.
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In a direct phone call with the additional inspector general, Lanjar instructed:
“Those damaging police vehicles and citizens’ property should be arrested immediately.”
Sindh Cultural Day, celebrated annually on the first Sunday of December, was first observed in 2009 to honour the province’s rich heritage.
The festivities include folk music performances, theatrical productions, seminars, debates, and literary gatherings organised by political, social, and civil groups.
Organisers said the day highlights Sindh’s culture while creating an opportunity for both residents and visitors to engage with its traditions.
Despite the disruption, many cultural events continued at safe venues, ensuring that artistic and literary celebrations were not entirely overshadowed by the unrest.
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