Karachi police official attacked over prayer restrictions

Karachi, April 11 (IANS) A female police official in Karachi was attacked by a mob after law enforcers tried to enforce Friday prayer restrictions, a media report said.

Sharafat Khan, the female SHO of the Pirabad police in the Orangi Town locality, reached the Haqqani Mosque iafter being informed that people were gathering there to offer Friday prayers, in violation of the restrictions on congregational prayers at mosques, The Express Tribune report said.

When she asked the people present at the mosque to pray at home, a group of individuals, enraged by the police action, began pelting her with stones.

The police officer received minor injuries during the scuffle.

A video, now viral on social media, shows a large crowd exiting the mosque as some individuals engage in a heated argument with the SHO, who bears a bleeding nose.

“You people have attacked me and also damaged my glasses. A case will be lodged against you,” Khan can be heard saying in the video.

After more police officials reached the spot, the SHO instructed them make videos of all those present in order to initiate action against them.

Khan was appointed as the SHO of the Pirabad Police Station 10 days ago.

Taking notice of the incident, a judicial magistrate has ordered action against the culprits.

The police have registered a case against the mosque administration and unidentified men, under sections of the Anti-Terrorism Act as well as charges including attempted murder and vandalism.

–IANS

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