Karachi police briefly detain JI UC chairmen, councillors

KARACHI: Police briefly detained more than 10 JI elected local government representatives at different police stations across Karachi before releasing them a few hours later.

JI Karachi chief Munim Zafar Khan said union committee (UC) chairmen and councillors from various parts of the city were summoned to police stations and detained without being given any reason.

He alleged that police had launched an undeclared crackdown against JI in Karachi, adding that reports had also emerged of raids at several locations.

Munim Zafar strongly condemned the detentions, alleging that the action was being taken at the behest of those who had come to power through what he described as “Form 47.” He claimed that the move was aimed at obstructing development work being carried out by JI’s elected representatives.

He said the detentions would not prevent the representatives from continuing their efforts for the city’s development and demanded their immediate release.

According to a JI spokesperson, those detained included Khursheed Iqbal, chairman of UC-7 in Zaman Town; Adil Muhammad, vice-chairman of UC-6 in Gulshan-e-Iqbal; Athar Imam, a councillor from UC-1 in Chaneser Town; Javed, a councillor from UC-1 in Gulshan; Sajid Jilani, a ward councillor from UC-1 in Jinnah Town; and Allah Gul, who was held at the Site Super Highway police station. Other local representatives were also reportedly detained.

Munim Zafar said police had taken Khursheed Iqbal to Zaman Town police station after visiting his residence and asking him to accompany them. He alleged that Iqbal was subsequently prevented from leaving the station.

Similarly, councillors Athar Imam and Mujahid were summoned to Tipu Sultan police station and detained, while Sajid Jilani and a ward councillor from Soldier Bazaar were also reportedly held. Allah Gul was detained at the Site Super Highway police station in District East, he added.

The JI Karachi chief said police had not provided any reason for detaining the elected representatives and urged the authorities to ensure their release.

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Later on Sunday night, JI secretary Taufiquddin said all the elected representatives detained by police had been released.