Protests being held against the Machh incident have spread to over 15 different spots in city
A police vehicle is parked on a road covered with stones thrown by protesters following the killings of Hazara coal miners, in Karachi, Pakistan January 7, 2021. PHOTO: REUTERS
KARACHI:
At least five motorcycles were set ablaze on Friday reportedly after commuters clashed with Shia community protestors near Drigh Road, Sharea Faisal in Karachi.
The countrywide protests that began three days ago, to express solidarity with families of 11 Hazara community miners in Machh, Balochistan last week, have spread to over 15 different spots in Karachi.
Road blocks put in place owing to the protests have resulted in gridlocks across the city at peak hours. However, traffic is being diverted from affected roads to alternative routes.
Heroes of the Pandemic: Keeping the Hussaini Tradition Alive
When everyone was advised to stay at home and protect themselves against the prevalent pandemic, a few brave beings stepped out to help the rest. They are the unsung heroes of the pandemic from the Shia community, working for all alike.
While Pakistan is facing a more lethal second wave of Coronavirus, it’s important to recall the services of individuals, as well as groups, who worked tirelessly for the collective consolation of the people.
In my experience as a community engagement resource, I came across a few initiatives that were not only unique but also designed to offer hope and relief to the larger social family.
Young boys hold up placards outside the KPC. Fahim Siddiqi/Shakil Adil/White Star
KARACHI: “The zulm that was done to our people, even animals don’t do this to their foes. This genocide must stop now,” a visibly shaken Hazara woman said at the protest condemning the Mach massacre on Tuesday outside the Karachi Press Club.
The emotionally charged protest was organized by the residents of Hussain Hazara Goth in solidarity with the victims of the Mach coal mine attack where 11 Hazara Shia miners were brutally murdered. The Islamic State group, also known by the Arabic acronym Daesh, claimed responsibility for the killing.
Protesters block a road in Karachi on Wednesday. DawnNewsTV
Several roads in Karachi were blocked on Wednesday as protests continued for a second day and spilled over to different areas of the metropolis against the killing of Shia Hazara miners in the Mach area of Balochistan earlier this week.
Television footage showed plumes of smoke rising as demonstrators took to the streets, burning tyres and wood and disrupting traffic.
According to a police update, today s protests, which were organised by the Majlis-i-Wahdat-i-Muslimeen (MWM), were happening at several places across the city, including Abbas Town, Abul Hasan Ispahani Road, Kamran Chowrangi at Gulistan-i-Jauhar, Power House Chowrangi in North Karachi, M. A. Jinnah Road, Sharea Faisal and Malir 15. One track of the Sharea Faisal was also closed for traffic, according to the update.