In the wake of a serious security breach near the US Consulate in Karachi on March 1, several police officers have been suspended as authorities move to address the lapses that allowed protesters to infiltrate the consulate premises. The decision to suspend these officials came on Monday, reflecting the gravity of the situation and the government’s commitment to accountability. The Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kemari has been placed under suspension, marking a significant step given his senior role in the local law enforcement hierarchy.
Alongside SSP Kemari, other key police officials have also been relieved of their duties pending further investigation. These include the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Kemari, the officer in charge of the Foreign Security Cell, and the Station House Officers (SHOs) from several police stations such as Dockyard, SITE-B, Karachi Port Trust (KPT), and Jackson. The SDPO has been instructed to report directly to the Central Police Office (CPO) in Karachi, while the SHOs and the Foreign Security Cell head have been ordered to present themselves at the police headquarters. This move underscores the seriousness with which the authorities are treating the breach and the need for a thorough review of security protocols.
The suspensions were issued under direct orders from Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and Home Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar, signaling high-level political involvement in the response to the incident. A formal notification outlining these suspensions has been circulated within the police department, emphasizing the administrative action taken against those deemed responsible for the security failure.
In parallel with these disciplinary measures, a high-powered, six-member inquiry committee has been established to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the events leading up to and during the security breach. This committee is chaired by the Additional Inspector General (Addl IG) of the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), reflecting the sensitive nature of the case. Other members include the Deputy Inspector Generals (DIGs) of Headquarters and the Special Branch Sindh, the SSP Investigation from CTD, and the Additional Inspector Generals responsible for Establishment and Operations. The committee has been tasked with delivering its findings within a strict deadline of one week, highlighting the urgency of clarifying the circumstances and assigning accountability.
The incident itself unfolded on March 1 when violent clashes erupted on MT Khan Road between police forces and demonstrators. The protesters were marching towards the US Consulate in response to the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in a joint airstrike attributed to the US and Israel. The unrest escalated rapidly, resulting in at least ten fatalities and numerous injuries. The Edhi Welfare Organisation’s information wing confirmed that nine individuals lost their lives near Mai Kolachi Road during the confrontations, with many others sustaining injuries from gunfire and physical altercations. Victims were promptly transported to the Civil Hospital Trauma Center, where medical staff are currently treating 32 injured persons. Efforts to identify the deceased are ongoing, as authorities work to provide closure to the affected families.
an official statement issued by the Sindh government, the protesters managed to breach the outer security perimeter of the US Consulate, gaining unauthorized access to the compound and causing damage to the property. This breach has raised serious concerns about the adequacy of the security arrangements in place, prompting immediate action to bolster defenses around the diplomatic mission. In response, authorities have installed containers around the entire consulate complex to create a more formidable barrier ahead of any future demonstrations.
To oversee these enhanced security measures and maintain law and order, Additional Inspector General Karachi, Azad Khan, along with Karachi Commissioner Syed Hasan Naqvi, personally visited the consulate site. Their presence underscores the administration’s resolve to prevent a recurrence of such incidents and to safeguard diplomatic premises in the city. The events of March 1 have exposed vulnerabilities in Karachi’s security apparatus, and the ongoing inquiry and administrative actions aim to rectify these gaps swiftly.
