Police on Sunday arrested several Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) leaders during a peaceful press conference outside the Election Commission of Pakistan’s Sindh office.
Among those detained were JI Karachi’s acting chief Muslim Pervaiz and Sindh Assembly member Muhammad Farooq. Additional leaders arrested include district chiefs Sufyan Dilawar and Mudassar Hussain Ansari, along with other party office-bearers.
According to Jamaat-e-Islami, the arrests occurred before the press conference could conclude. The party described the police action as an “unwarranted crackdown on political activity.” Authorities also reportedly ordered the closure of shops and hotels near the venue.
Tensions escalated after police objected to the party setting up a protest camp outside the Election Commission office. JI has been actively mobilizing political activity following the “Jeenay Do Karachi” march held last Sunday on Shahrah-e-Faisal.
JI Pakistan chief Engineer Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman had earlier announced a protest sit-in outside the Sindh Assembly on February 14, warning the ruling Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) to “pack up.”
Earlier this month, police registered FIR No. 26/37 at Tipu Sultan Police Station against JI Karachi chief Munim Zafar and around 1,000 party activists. The case alleges that some activists dug up parts of Shahrah-e-Faisal and pitched tents on the roadway.
Responding to the FIR, a JI spokesperson called the action political victimization, saying the registration of cases against a peaceful protest was an attempt to silence public voices. The spokesperson added that legal cases would not stop the party’s efforts to advocate for Karachiites.
Despite the arrests, JI reiterated that its planned sit-in on February 14 will continue as scheduled. “We are not afraid of any FIR,” the spokesperson stated, emphasizing the party’s resolve to continue its political activism.
The arrests of JI leaders have drawn attention from civil society, highlighting the ongoing tensions between political parties and law enforcement in Karachi.
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