Police Clash with Protesters in Karachi on October 13
- Thousands of supporters of the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan party protested in Karachi against a civil society demonstration.
- The situation escalated as protesters clashed with police, resulting in violence and the death of a party member.
- Authorities condemned the violence, highlighting the risks of simultaneous protests and the implications for public safety.
On October 13, 2024, in Karachi, Pakistan, police confronted thousands of protesters from the far-right Islamist party Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) who attempted to breach a security barricade. The demonstrators were opposing a civil society protest regarding the death of a blasphemy suspect while in custody. Tensions escalated as supporters of the TLP threw rocks at law enforcement and set a patrol car on fire. The violence resulted in the death of a TLP member and led to the arrest of approximately 20 individuals from both sides. Authorities, including Provincial Interior Minister Zia Ul Hassan, expressed concerns over potential clashes due to simultaneous protests. The situation was particularly sensitive given the recent attack on a convoy of Chinese nationals and an upcoming security summit in Islamabad. The TLP's advocacy for strict blasphemy laws, which impose severe penalties for perceived insults to Islam, adds to the complexity of the protests and the societal tensions surrounding them.