On Monday, ten police personnel were suspended for their involvement in the mistreatment of women protesters at the Karachi Press Club (KPC) the previous day, according to a police statement. The incident occurred during the “Sindh Rawadari March,” organized to condemn the alleged extrajudicial killing of Dr. Shahnawaz Kunbhar, who was accused of sharing blasphemous content on social media.
The protesters clashed with police after Section 144, prohibiting gatherings, was enforced. Amidst the clash, disturbing footage surfaced showing police using batons against women protesters, sparking widespread outrage. Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) also attempted to protest but were intercepted by police at different locations.
Disciplinary action was initiated, with the South Zone police confirming that 10 officers, including lady constables, had been removed from their duties. An investigation is underway, with CCTV footage aiding in the identification of the suspended personnel.
The Sindh Home Minister has ordered a comprehensive investigation, and the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has called for immediate action against the violent treatment of civil society activists. Meanwhile, several PPP leaders, including Sherry Rehman and Bakhtawar Bhutto-Zardari, expressed regret over the police’s actions, with promises of further inquiry into the incident.
