Clashes break out in Karachi during nationalist group’s cultural day rally

Violent clashes broke out near the FTC in Shahrae Faisal on Sunday as a nationalist group marking Sindh Cultural Day attempted to head towards the red zone, prompting police intervention. 35 people were arrested at various locations, causing serious traffic disruptions along the city’s main thoroughfare.

The nationalist group had planned a Shahrah-e-Faisal rally at the Karachi Press Club to celebrate Sindh Cultural Day, observed on the first Sunday of December. However, police had placed barriers in front of the FTC building, blocking access to the red zone and ordering the rally to take an alternate route through the lines area. The demonstrators refused to comply, provoking heated exchanges and a confrontation.

“Shahrah-e-Faisal has been closed at FTC point due to security reasons, and alternative routes have been provided to motorists. No one will be allowed to enter the red zone and strict action will be taken against anyone who takes law into their own hands,” SSP South Mehzor Ali said.

Moving footage from the scene also showed protesters throwing stones at a Peoples Bus Service vehicle and harassing passengers. The women and children inside the bus looked visibly frightened. The tense situation led to the deployment of additional police forces to the scene, and baton charges and tear gas were used to disperse the crowd. Protesters responded by throwing stones, damaging a police mobile.

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

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

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 youth celebrating Sindh Cultural Day in Shahrae Faisal, saying “Sindhis are being punished for celebrating their own heritage in their own homeland.”

In a statement on Sunday, Zain Shah said the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), which has ruled Sindh for 18 years, had “hurt the sentiments of Sindhis across the world” by allowing what he called an “unjustified crackdown” on a peaceful cultural gathering in Karachi.

The current PPP government appears to rule by force and intimidation, he said.

Zain Shah said the people of Sindh must recognize the behavior of “those who beat their own citizens just because they wear the Sindhi cap and ajrak and sing the folk songs of their country.” Such actions, he added, deprive the government of its “moral authority” to run the province.

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

Celebrations continue in Karachi despite clashes

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

Residents wore Sindhi topis and ajraks, while men, women and children took part in rallies, presented tableaux and danced to Sindhi songs. Folk artists performed at the Karachi Press Club program and participants raised “Jeay Sindh” slogans to celebrate the cultural heritage of the province.

Netizens celebrate the Sindh Cultural Day music program in front of the Karachi Press Club on Sunday. Photo: Express

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

Participants described Sindh’s culture as ancient and historically significant, rooted in thousands of years of tradition. They said the day strengthened the commitment towards preservation of cultural values, heritage and languages ​​including Sindhi, Punjabi, Pashto, Urdu, Balochi, Hindko and Seraiki.

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

Attendance 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 alternative routes. Sindh Cultural Day is celebrated every year on the first Sunday of December.