Pakistan Police Seal Over 100 Hyderabad Shops In Overnight Crackdown, Traders Launch Protest

An overnight police operation to seal more than 100 shops in Pakistan's Hyderabad has triggered widespread protests, with traders accusing authorities of acting without prior notice and jeopardising the livelihoods of hundreds of business owners.

Police cite Supreme Court directives for sealing drive

A late-night operation by police in Pakistan's Hyderabad city to seal more than 100 shops built on police-owned land has sparked widespread protests by traders across the region, who have accused authorities of acting without notice and disrupting livelihoods.

According to The Express Tribune, the operation was carried out at Chhoti Ghitti by Hyderabad District Police officials led by State Officer Salahuddin, backed by a large police contingent. Nearly 100 commercial units located beside the City Police Station were sealed.

Police said the action was undertaken to comply with directives issued by Pakistan's Supreme Court concerning properties owned by the department.

Traders allege no prior notice, warn of citywide shutdown

The sealing operation prompted an immediate backlash from traders, who rushed to the site after learning about the action. Eyewitnesses reported heated arguments and scuffles between protesters and police before authorities completed the drive.

Following the crackdown, traders gathered outside the City Police Station, chanting slogans against the police and demanding that the seals be removed.

Affected shopkeepers argued that ownership of the shops was not under dispute and claimed the matter had been unnecessarily taken to court. They said the case remains pending before Pakistan's Supreme Court, with the next hearing scheduled for July 10.

Traders maintained they had paid all outstanding dues but were given no prior warning before their businesses were sealed. They also warned that merchandise worth millions of rupees remains locked inside the premises and threatened a citywide shutdown if authorities fail to reverse the decision.

Political leaders extend support to protesting traders

The protest received support from several political leaders, including MQM-P parliamentarians, Jamaat-e-Islami leaders and representatives of other political parties.

Traders also set up a protest camp outside the sealed market, drawing visits from business leaders and politicians who expressed solidarity with those affected.

(With inputs from ANI)