Police briefly detained more than 10 JI elected local government representatives at several police stations across Karachi, releasing them a few hours later. The detentions were reported by the party and later confirmed as released by JI secretary Taufiquddin.
JI Karachi chief Munim Zafar Khan said union committee (UC) chairmen and councillors from different parts of the city were called to police stations and held without any explanation.
JI alleges an undeclared crackdown and raids
Munim Zafar claimed police had begun an unannounced crackdown on JI in Karachi. He added that reports of raids at several locations had also surfaced.
He strongly condemned the detentions and linked them to people who, he said, had come to power through “Form 47.” According to him, the aim was to stop development work carried out by JI’s elected representatives. He demanded their immediate release and said the detentions would not stop them from working for the city.
Names of the local representatives held
A JI spokesperson named those detained, including:
- Khursheed Iqbal, chairman of UC-7 in Zaman Town
- Adil Muhammad, vice-chairman of UC-6 in Gulshan-e-Iqbal
- Athar Imam, councillor from UC-1 in Chaneser Town
- Javed, councillor from UC-1 in Gulshan
- Sajid Jilani, ward councillor from UC-1 in Jinnah Town
- Allah Gul, held at the Site Super Highway police station
Other local representatives were also reportedly detained.
Police stations where representatives were taken
Munim Zafar said police visited Khursheed Iqbal’s residence and asked him to go with them to Zaman Town police station. He alleged that Iqbal was then not allowed to leave the station.
He said councillors Athar Imam and Mujahid were summoned to Tipu Sultan police station and detained. Sajid Jilani and a ward councillor from Soldier Bazaar were also reportedly held, and Allah Gul was detained at the Site Super Highway police station in District East.
The JI Karachi chief said police gave no reason for the detentions and urged the authorities to secure the representatives’ release. Later on Sunday night, Taufiquddin said all the detained representatives had been freed.
