Police detained Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Sindh Assembly member Muhammad Farooq along with several party workers on Friday during a press conference outside the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) office in Karachi, triggering political tension and strong reactions from the opposition party. The detentions took place as the JI attempted to address the media over what it described as growing injustices and restrictions on democratic expression across the country.
According to eyewitnesses, police personnel arrived at the scene shortly after the press conference began and moved swiftly to disperse party workers gathered outside the ECP office. Several activists were taken into custody, while others were pushed away from the venue, effectively ending the press interaction. The police action led to chaos at the site, with party supporters chanting slogans against what they termed as suppression of political voices.
Press Conference Halted Amid Heavy Police Presence
The press conference had been arranged by Jamaat-e-Islami to highlight concerns regarding alleged political pressure, governance issues, and what the party sees as systematic efforts to silence dissent. Muhammad Farooq, who represents Jamaat-e-Islami in the Sindh Assembly, had begun speaking to reporters moments before police intervened.
Police officials reportedly cited security concerns and lack of permission as reasons for halting the press conference. However, Jamaat-e-Islami leaders rejected these claims, arguing that peaceful political activity and interaction with the media are constitutional rights that do not require arbitrary approvals.
Footage from the scene showed police personnel surrounding the JI leadership and escorting Muhammad Farooq and others away from the area, while journalists attempted to record the unfolding events.
Muhammad Farooq’s Defiant Remarks Before Detention
Before being taken into custody, Muhammad Farooq addressed the media briefly, stating that Jamaat-e-Islami had gathered to expose what he described as widespread oppression and injustice affecting citizens across Pakistan. He emphasized that the party’s presence outside the Election Commission was meant to draw attention to democratic erosion and administrative failures.
“This is not the residence of any king where public voices are not allowed,” Farooq said, stressing that a press conference would be held regardless of restrictions. He warned that if the authorities continued to deny permission for peaceful expression, Jamaat-e-Islami would resort to protest as a constitutional response.
His remarks were met with chants of support from party workers, who accused the authorities of double standards in allowing some political groups to demonstrate freely while clamping down on others.
Concerns Over Planned February 14 Protest
Muhammad Farooq also raised concerns about what he claimed were attempts to block a planned sit-in outside the Sindh Assembly scheduled for February 14. According to him, the protest aims to highlight public grievances related to governance, inflation, and alleged manipulation of democratic institutions.
He asserted that despite pressure and intimidation, the sit-in would proceed as planned. “That protest will take place, and this press conference will also happen,” he declared, signaling Jamaat-e-Islami’s determination to continue its political campaign.
Party leaders later reiterated that the February 14 demonstration would remain peaceful but firm, adding that any attempt to prevent it would only escalate political tensions in the province.
Political and Public Reaction to Police Action
The detentions quickly drew criticism from political observers and civil society voices, who questioned the necessity of police action against an elected lawmaker and his supporters. Analysts noted that restricting press conferences and political gatherings could deepen mistrust between opposition parties and state institutions.
Supporters of Jamaat-e-Islami took to social media to condemn the incident, calling it an attack on freedom of expression and democratic norms. Several posts demanded the immediate release of those detained and urged authorities to respect political pluralism.
While police officials maintained that the action was taken to maintain order, opposition figures argued that such measures undermine confidence in electoral and administrative institutions, particularly when events are held outside sensitive offices like the Election Commission.
A Broader Debate on Democratic Space
The incident has once again fueled debate over shrinking democratic space in Pakistan, especially for opposition parties seeking to mobilize public opinion. Political experts suggest that repeated confrontations between law enforcement and political groups could have long-term implications for political stability and public trust.
As of late Friday, it remained unclear how long Muhammad Farooq and other detained workers would be held, though Jamaat-e-Islami leaders indicated they would pursue legal and political avenues to challenge the detentions.
The coming days, particularly the planned February 14 sit-in, are expected to test the government’s approach toward opposition activity and its commitment to allowing peaceful political expression within constitutional boundaries.
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