Singer Saif Samejo was tortured by the police during a protest outside Karachi’s Press Club on October 13. He was part of the Sindh Tolerance March, where people were protesting peacefully. The police arrested several protesters, including Saif Samejo, accusing them of breaking Section 144, which prohibits large gatherings. Videos and photos of the police violence, including against women and other artists, quickly spread online, causing outrage.
Many celebrities and public figures expressed their anger towards the Sindh government and police. Oscar-winning filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, singers Shehzad Roy and Khaled Anam, TV host Anoushey Ashraf, and politician Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Jr. were among those who condemned the incident.
Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy shared a picture of the police attacking Saif Samejo and criticized the Sindh government, saying they have lost control. She mentioned that Saif was protesting against an extrajudicial killing related to false blasphemy accusations when the police assaulted him.
Anoushey Ashraf also spoke out, saying Saif was protesting against the rising extremism in the province and became a victim of police violence. Khalid Anam, a senior actor, condemned the police and government, calling their actions shameful. He criticized them for using force without reason. Shehzad Roy expressed his sadness over the violence, calling the video of Saif’s torture heartbreaking. However, he was relieved that Saif Samejo was now safe at home.
Politician Zulfikar Bhutto Jr. also condemned the violence and criticized the provincial government for their actions. Later, Saif Samejo shared a video from home, letting everyone know he was safe after the police attack. His message thanked supporters and brought attention to the mistreatment he faced.
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The widespread outrage from celebrities and the public has raised concerns about police brutality and how peaceful protesters are treated in Sindh.