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KARACHI: Eight leaders and workers from various left-wing political parties were detained outside the Karachi Press Club (KPC), reportedly by police, according to organizers who claimed they wanted to prevent them from attending a multi-party conference organized by the Popular Left Alliance (PLA). However, police denied such arrests had taken place.
Imdad Qazi, secretary general of the Communist Party of Pakistan and convenor of the PLA, stated that 10 party alliances had convened for a debate on democracy versus authoritarianism in Pakistan. He alleged that five veteran political workers, including Husain Fatimi, Dr Hasan Nasir, Ramzam Memon, Shaheena, Mohammed Farooq, and three other activists, were seized by police to prevent them from the conference.
In contrast, South Senior Superintendent of Police Mahzoor Ali dismissed the claims of arrests made outside the KPC. The PLA declared that “complete authoritarian rule has been imposed in the country.” It condemned this “authoritarianism through so-called democratic institutions,” noting that during the conference, police had surrounded the venue as most participants were detained at the entrance.
The assembly highlighted serious concerns over conditions in Balochistan and urged a resolution through political means according to the people of Balochistan. They demanded the repeal of all changes made to the Constitution in the last five years, particularly amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act and 26th and 27th Constitutional Amendments. Participants also called for the release of arrested and convicted political prisoners including Iman Mazari-Hazir, Hadi Ali Chattha, Mahrang Baloch, and others.
The conference affirmed solidarity with families affected by the Gul Plaza fire, demanding “strict punishment” for those responsible, and urged the government to ensure safety measures. They criticized the tactics used against press clubs across the country and called for an immediate end to such harassment. The assembly condemned a US raid on Venezuela and preparations for another attack on Iran, urging the government to take a clear stance against this “open aggression.”