Karachi, November 21, 2025: Karachi police on Friday detained around half a dozen people and blocked access to the Karachi Press Club (KPC) to prevent participation in a protest organised by the opposition alliance Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP). The demonstration was part of a nationwide campaign against the recently passed 27th Constitutional Amendment.
All roads leading to the KPC were sealed off, with buses and other vehicles parked to restrict movement. Police deployed contingents of female personnel in addition to regular forces. Several protesters were detained while attempting to reach the venue.
Among those detained was civil society activist Alifya Sohail, who was not part of the TTAP protest. She was initially taken to the Artillery Maidan Police Station, her phone was confiscated, and she was denied contact with anyone. She was later moved to an undisclosed location. Civil rights activist and lawyer Jibran Nasir raised the matter, demanding her immediate release, and stated that Sohail and another female activist were reportedly taken to the Women Police Station on Sharae Faisal. Nasir alleged that the women were targeted for their PTI affiliation, claiming they were being arrested without FIRs and harassed.
PTI Sindh spokesperson Mohammed Ali Bozdar told media that over two dozen protesters were detained near the KPC.
The TTAP protest brought together civil society members, grassroots activists, and lawyers who collectively condemned the 27th Amendment. According to a press release, the platform aims to restore the Constitution, defend fundamental rights, and re-establish the people’s mandate.
Lahore-based academic Dr Ammar Ali Jan described the amendment as an “affront” to democracy, warning that it blocks avenues of resistance against the state. “Where would a common person go to get justice when you block all legal paths?” he questioned.
Participants also voiced their frustration over the current political situation. Samrina Hashmi, 65, told media, “I am so frustrated. When will I see my country flourish? We have been fighting all our lives against martial law, dictatorship. It seems we are going back to 1958,” in reference to General Ayub Khan’s military coup.
Organiser Riaz labelled the amendment a “question mark on the state of our judiciary” and called for the annulment of both the 26th and 27th amendments. Other activists expressed optimism that resistance against the amendments was gaining momentum.
The demonstration in Karachi was held under heavy police deployment, with officers seen carrying batons and maintaining strict control around the KPC.
