Sindh govt detains 180 individuals under MPO amid fears of protests, road blockades

2026-02-02 - 07:17

KARACHI – The Sindh government on Monday took preventive measures amid fears of possible protests and the blocking of key thoroughfares in Karachi, and detained 180 individuals under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) for a period of 30 days. The Sindh Home Department said that the highest number of detentions — 51 individuals — were made from the East Zone while arrests were also reported from other parts of the city as part of efforts to maintain law and order. Sindh CM Syed Murad Ali Shah said that they would not allow blockage of roads in Karachi as it causes huge trouble to the citizens. He said that JI Chief Hafiz Naeem announced a sit-in on Feb 14. “We will not allow blockage of traffic flow on Shahra-e-Faisal and other main roads in the city,” said CM Murad. He said that the victims of Gul Plaza fire incident were being used for political purposes. He said that the PPP government in Sindh would continue to serve the people. The CM said that they provided compensation to the families of those who lost their lives in Gul Plaza fire. He expressed these views during an inauguration ceremony of anti-polio campaign. “We will wait for the outcome of the judiciary inquiry into the Gul Plaza fire incident,” said Sindh CM Murad. He made it clear that those who are being labelled as “Qabiz Mafia or like that” are elected ones. He said that the action was taken against some people after the initial inquiry into the said incident. Murad Ali Shah said that everybody has a role and they should ensure it. Meanwhile, Sindh PTI President Haleem Adil Sheikh strongly criticized the detentions and demanded the immediate release of all party leaders and workers taken into custody. He alleged that raids are being carried out at the homes of PTI leaders and activists across Sindh, leading to further arrests. “We are peaceful political people and believe in constitutional and democratic struggle,” he said, adding that the party would continue its political activities within the framework of the law.