The Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM), a Pakistani religio-political party, announced plans on Tuesday to extend its sit-in protests across Sindh. The demonstrations, originally confined to over 10 locations in Karachi, are being held in solidarity with the violence-stricken Kurram district.
Kurram, home to approximately 600,000 people, has long suffered from tribal and sectarian violence. Recent unrest escalated after a deadly ambush on November 21 claimed 52 lives, triggering clashes and road blockades that have disrupted essential supplies.
Since November, at least 136 people have died in the ongoing violence. Despite efforts by a grand jirga—a traditional council of tribal and political elders—to mediate peace, the situation remains volatile.
MWM leader Allama Hasan Zafar Naqvi stated, “The sit-ins will continue until the issues of Parachinar [Kurram’s capital] are resolved.” He urged citizens to join the movement and revealed plans to extend protests to areas like Obaro near Punjab’s border.
On Tuesday, Karachi police and Rangers used tear gas to disperse protesters at various locations, including Kamran Chowrangi and Gulistan-e-Jauhar. Demonstrators retaliated by burning tires and throwing stones. MWM accused the Sindh government of hypocrisy, alleging simultaneous support and crackdowns on protests.
Also read: Karachi Faces Traffic Chaos As MWM Protests Over Parachinar Incident Enter Fourth Day
Meanwhile, rival group Ahle-Sunnat Wal Jamaat (ASWJ) has threatened counter-protests at 60 Karachi locations unless MWM demonstrations cease.
Efforts to mediate peace in Kurram are expected to yield a formal agreement soon, though tensions remain high across Karachi and beyond.
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