Sindh police dragging woman in disturbing video sparks outrage
A video circulating online has sparked public outrage after showing Sindh police officers dragging a woman named Romasa Jami, a Doctor of Law from London, during protests in Karachi on Sunday.
Jami, whose identity became known through social media, was protesting against the government’s handling of law and order when she was forcibly removed by police. The video, shared widely on X (formerly Twitter), has drawn strong condemnation.
The video showing Sindh police dragging woman during the protest quickly became viral. Senator Sherry Rehman responded to the incident, issuing an apology on behalf of her party.
“I apologise on behalf of the party. Am told that TLP was advancing from the other side and the police were on hair trigger alert after the recent attacks on foreigners and the advice to not protest until SCO is over, but still, the situation could have been handled differently,” Rehman said in her statement on X.
“We are a democratic party and rights of citizens have to be protected and respected even if they were in violation of today’s 144. I have spoken on the phone from Islamabad to many who were mistreated, and apologised, and appreciate their understanding. Because this is important. Many of us are sorry and shamed. Will inform the leadership as well.”
Protests turn violent amid heavy security
The altercation occurred amid two major protests in Karachi on the same day, which had drawn significant police and Rangers presence.
One protest, known as the “Sindh Rawadari March,” was led by civil society groups denouncing the extrajudicial killing of Dr. Shahnawaz Kunbhar, a blasphemy suspect shot dead by police in Mirpurkhas.
The protesters, including human rights advocates, trade unionists, and feminist organizations, called for accountability and action against rising extremism in Sindh.
Meanwhile, supporters of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) had gathered for a separate rally in the same vicinity, prompting law enforcement to enforce Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code, banning public gatherings. Despite the restriction, clashes erupted between protesters and police.
At least 35 civil society activists, including HRCP Sindh vice-chair Qazi Khizer Habib, were arrested during the protest. Sufi singer Saif Samejo was also briefly detained.
Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) condemned the police action, calling for the immediate and unconditional release of those arrested.
TLP supporter killed in clashes
In a separate incident during the protests, Aamir Aziz, a supporter of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan, was allegedly killed by gunfire in clashes near Saddar.
The TLP claimed Aziz was shot by law enforcement officers, while police deployed tear gas and other measures to disperse the crowd. A police vehicle was reportedly set on fire by TLP demonstrators during the unrest.
In anticipation of the protests, police had blocked several key roads, including the Super Highway and Shahrah-e-Faisal near Teen Talwar, creating severe traffic disruptions.
Access to the Karachi Press Club was also restricted, preventing journalists from entering, and checkpoints were established at major highways.
Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar defended the imposition of Section 144 and confirmed that several protestors had been arrested for violating the public gathering ban.
He stated that all individuals who took the law into their own hands would be “dealt with strictly,” and an inquiry would be conducted into the manhandling of journalists and protesters.
