Pakistan: Violent clashes at mosque in Karachi January 5-6

Event

At least one person was killed and three others were wounded in religious clashes in Karachi (Sindh province) during the overnight hours (local time) on January 5-6. Officials state up to 200 members of the Sunni Tehreek and Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) groups attacked Deobandi worshipers at a mosque in Mehmoodabad area. Authorities reportedly arrested at least ten people and treated four others for gunshot wounds. A heightened security presence is expected in the area over the coming days. Additional clashes cannot be ruled out.

Context

A Pakistani court reportedly transferred ownership of the mosque to the Deobandi group beginning on January 5. Officials indicate the transition had proceeded without incident until the evening hours when some worshipers clashed over the possession of the mosque.

Advice

Individuals in Pakistan are advised to monitor the situation, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments, and anticipate a heightened security presence in the coming days. As a reminder, due to the high threat of terrorism, kidnapping, and sectarian violence throughout the country, many Western governments advise their citizens against nonessential travel to Pakistan.