Clashes erupt in Karachi during nationalist group’s cultural day rally

Violent clashes erupted near FTC on Shahrae Faisal on Sunday as a nationalist group’s rally marking Sindh Cultural Day tried to move towards the Red Zone, prompting police intervention as police detained 35 people were taken into custody from various locations, causing severe traffic disruption along the city’s main artery

The nationalist group had planned a rally from Shahrah-e-Faisal to the Karachi Press Club to celebrate Sindh Cultural Day, which is observed on the first Sunday of December. However, police had placed barriers at the FTC building, blocking access to the Red Zone and directing the rally to take an alternate route through the Lines Area. Protesters refused to comply, prompting heated exchanges and a confrontation.

“Shahrah-e-Faisal was closed at the FTC point due to security concerns, and alternate routes were provided for motorists. No one will be allowed to enter the Red Zone, and strict action will be taken against anyone taking the law into their own hands,” SSP South Mehzor Ali said.

Mobile footage from the scene also showed protesters throwing stones at a Peoples Bus Service vehicle and harassing passengers. Women and children inside the bus appeared visibly frightened. The tense situation prompted the deployment of additional police forces to the location and baton charges and tear gas were used to disperse the crowd. Protesters retaliated by throwing stones, causing damage to a police mobile.

SSP Mehzor added that several individuals involved in stone pelting, injuring police personnel, and damaging public and government property had been arrested. “Legal action will be taken against all violators,” he said. He confirmed that 35 people were detained from various locations.

The clashes caused long queues of traffic on Shahrah-e-Faisal and congestion in surrounding areas. Roads were reopened once the protesters were dispersed.

Sindh Interior Minister Ziaul Hasan Lanjhar has taken notice of the violence and vandalism that erupted on Shahrah-e-Faisal, calling for swift action against those responsible. The minister contacted the Additional IG Karachi to discuss the incident and assess the situation on the ground.

He directed authorities to take immediate measures against individuals involved in the unrest, stressing that those who damaged vehicles and public property must be promptly arrested. The minister emphasized the need for law enforcement to act decisively to restore order and prevent further disruption.

Sindh United Party condemns police action

Sindh United Party (SUP) President Syed Zain Shah on Sunday condemned the use of tear gas, force and arrests of youths celebrating Sindh Cultural Day on Shahrae Faisal, saying “Sindhis are being punished for celebrating their own heritage in their own homeland.”

In a statement issued on Sunday, Zain Shah said the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), which has governed Sindh for the past 18 years, had “hurt the sentiments of Sindhis across the world” by allowing what he termed an “unjustified crackdown” on a peaceful cultural rally in Karachi.

The current PPP government appears to be ruling through force and intimidation, he said.

Zain Shah said the people of Sindh must recognise the behaviour of “those who beat their own citizens simply for wearing the Sindhi cap and ajrak and singing the folk songs of their land”. Such actions, he added, deprive the government of its “moral authority” to rule the province.

He said the entire province was saddened by the incident. “Those who lead anti-Sindh decisions have now targeted peaceful citizens who were dancing and celebrating Sindh Cultural Day on Shahrah-e-Faisal. By resorting to violence and leaving them bloodied, the rulers have demonstrated the worst form of governance.”

Celebrations continue across Karachi despite clashes

Sindh Cultural Day was celebrated with enthusiasm across Karachi and the province. Events took place in various parts of the city, including the main ceremony outside the Karachi Press Club and additional gatherings at Fawara Chowk.

Residents wore Sindhi topis and ajraks, while men, women, and children participated in rallies, presented tableaus, and danced to Sindhi songs. Folk artists performed at the Karachi Press Club programme, and attendees raised “Jeay Sindh” slogans in celebration of the province’s cultural heritage.

Netizens celebrate during the Sindh Cultural Day musical programme outside Karachi Press Club on Sunday. Photo: Express

“Sindh Cultural Day represents the valley’s vibrant cultural heritage, rich traditions, and timeless values. It stands for harmony, tolerance, and inclusion,” social activist Shujauddin said. He added that ajrak and Sindhi topi symbolize respect, dignity, and pride, and stressed the need to preserve and promote Sindh’s culture.

Women participants described Sindh’s culture as ancient and historically significant, rooted in thousands of years of tradition. They said the day reinforced commitment to preserving cultural values, heritage, and languages including Sindhi, Punjabi, Pashto, Urdu, Balochi, Hindko, and Seraiki.

Civil society representatives urged Sindh’s youth to focus on education and merit as a path to progress, describing unity as the province’s real strength. They said Sindh’s music, language, and traditions shape its future and reflect the province’s peaceful and tolerant identity.

Participation at the Karachi Press Club remained vibrant, with heavy security measures in place. Roads around the Press Club were closed, and traffic was diverted to alternate routes. Sindh Cultural Day is observed annually on the first Sunday of December.