KARACHI: Children are enjoying the jumping castle and groups of women are crowding around the make-shift food stalls to taste local delicacies, while men are enjoying a poetry gathering.
At the first sight, it all appears to be a usual family outing, but in contrast, it is a protest sit-in outside the provincial assembly in Karachi.
Over the past 10 days, hundreds of protesters loyal to Jamaat-i-Islami have been protesting despite cold weather, against a local government law passed by the Sindh Assembly, which according to the opposition parties, has stripped the district governments of several key financial and administrative powers.
Attired in jackets and warm shawls, men remain at the sit-in during the day and at night, whereas the women supporters along with their children visit the site after the sunset and stay there till late at night.
“It’s a lengthy struggle, therefore we have tried to make it (sit-in) a family affair to reduce the conventional stress and boredom during such events,” Salman Shaikh, one of the organisers, told.
The day begins with morning prayer, followed by Quran class and study circle. Special events, like poetry contests, drawing competitions, and swings are arranged for adults and children on Saturdays and Sundays.
In a corner, an open kitchen is established to prepare meals for the participants, whereas many part-time visitors bring food with them.
“I along with my wife and (two) children have been visiting the sit-in every alternate day. Many other families from our neighbourhood also visit here,” Atiq Ahmad, a JI worker from the city’s northern district, told.
“In fact, we (families) had a one-dish party today,” Ahmad said, smiling.
The law, which was passed late last month, has invited ire from the opposition parties, which accuse the PPP of managing the constituencies in a manner, whereby it can clinch a majority of seats in the local government polls in Karachi.
The opposition also demands direct elections for the mayors in the province in line with other provinces. –Agencies
