Several leaders and workers of Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) were detained outside the Election Commission Sindh office on Saturday after the party attempted to hold a public press conference marking two years since the February 8 election controversy.
Among those detained were acting Karachi Ameer Muslim Pervez and Sindh Assembly member Muhammad Farooq. District leaders including Sufyan Dilawar and Mudassar Hussain Ansari were also taken into custody during the protest.
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Following the arrests of several party leadership, Ameer Jamaat-e-Islami Karachi Munem Zafar Khan, in a video statement, condemned the arrests and termed the action a sign of “political fascism” by the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).
He urged party workers to remain peaceful and gather at the Jamaat-e-Islami headquarters, Idara Noor Haq, where the future course of action would be announced.
According to party officials, Jamaat-e-Islami had planned to organize a public press conference to highlight what it described as election rigging in the polls held on February 8, 2024.
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However, the administration stopped the event and dismantled a temporary camp set up near the Election Commission office.
Section 144 imposed in district South
Police officials confirmed that Section 144 had been imposed across the district, banning gatherings of more than four people.
SSP South Mahzoor Ali stated that action would be taken against anyone violating the law. He added that shops and hotels near the Election Commission office were temporarily closed as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order.
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According to SSP South, several Jamaat-e-Islami leaders and workers were detained for violating restrictions, but no formal arrests or cases had been registered at the time of the statement.
Police said the party members had gathered to protest in front of the Election Commission, which led to enforcement action under Section 144. Authorities maintained that the measures were taken to prevent any disturbance of public order.
