Karachi: 180 Individuals Detained Under MPO for 30 Days Amid Fears of Protests and Major Road Blockades

Karachi, February 2, 2026 — In anticipation of potential protests and the possible blocking of key highways in Karachi, the Sindh Home Department has detained 180 individuals under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Ordinance for a period of 30 days.
According to the official notification issued by the Sindh government, the detentions were ordered to maintain law and order and prevent any disruption. The breakdown by district includes:
East Zone: 51 individuals (highest number)
West: 30
Central: 24
Keamari: 23
Korangi: 22
South: 21
Malir: 9
These preventive detentions were carried out following intelligence inputs indicating risks of road blockades and large-scale demonstrations, reportedly linked to a planned protest call by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on February 8, 2026, which includes calls for shutter-down strikes and peaceful rallies.
PTI Sindh President Haleem Adil Sheikh strongly condemned the action, describing the detentions as unlawful and politically motivated. He demanded the immediate release of all detained leaders and workers, asserting that PTI is committed to peaceful, constitutional, and democratic struggle.
He further alleged that raids were conducted across Sindh at the homes of PTI leaders and workers, with many being arrested without due process. PTI has already challenged the MPO detention orders in the Sindh High Court, seeking to declare the notifications invalid and secure the release of those held.
Government sources maintain that the measures are strictly preventive and within legal bounds to protect public safety and prevent any breakdown of law and order in the city.
The development has heightened political tensions in Sindh ahead of the announced protest date.