33 held, booked under ATA for resisting anti-encroachment drive at Karachi's Shafiq Mor

On Saturday, police in Karachi arrested 33 individuals following violent clashes during an anti-encroachment drive in Shafiq Mor. According to the police, an enraged mob targeted police and district officials, causing injuries, obstructing major roads, and firing weapons at officers. A district administration spokesperson reported that the anti-encroachment operation, conducted on Friday night, occurred on Shah Waliullah Road near Haji Agha Hotel in Samanabad's limits.

Hotel owner Mohammed Hashim and his employees resisted the authorities, resulting in injuries to Shahab Hyderi Market Adeel Ahmed, a constable, and an administration official. The police promptly arrested Hashim and three others, transferring them to the police station for further legal proceedings. Later, Jaffer Shah and four other armed guards arrived, accompanied by a crowd of around 100 people.

The police statement revealed that the mob illegally blocked two roads, attacked police with stones, and fired at officers. Additional forces and anti-riot units were deployed, successfully dispersing the crowd and clearing the roads. The police subsequently arrested 30 more suspects. Two FIRs have been filed against the detained individuals, based on complaints from the Samanabad Mukhtiarakar and the State through a police officer, for charges related to terrorism, rioting, and other offenses.