Karachi: A nationwide day of protest was observed on Sunday, on the appeal of Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Pakistan Ameer Engr Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman against police violence, baton charge, shelling, and the arrest of dozens of workers during a peaceful protest outside the Sindh Assembly.In Karachi, protest sit-ins were held on 10 major arteries of the city. Participants strongly condemned what they termed the worst fascism of the Pakistan People Party led provincial government, misuse of state power, anti-Karachi policies, and anti-democratic behavior. They demanded that Karachi be granted its due rights and an empowered city government, immediate release of arrested workers, and withdrawal of terrorism charges filed against them.Addressing protesters at Lasbela Chowk, JI Karachi Ameer Monem Zafar said the PPP is an anti-Karachi party and has become the establishment's 'A-plus team.' He said that the PPP has usurped the rights of Karachi's citizens and taken control of the city's institutions and resources. He cr iticized the government for patronizing riverine bandits while registering terrorism cases against those protesting for Karachi's rights.He stated that the JI had called for giving Karachi its rights and allowing citizens to live peacefully, but peaceful workers were subjected to brutal violence on the directives of the provincial government, including baton charges and shelling. He added that the PPP's 18-year rule has deprived Karachi's residents even of the right to live, but vowed that resistance and struggle would continue.Monem Zafar emphasized the party's aim to establish a metropolitan city government in Karachi and resolve public issues, asserting that public resistance would ultimately force the government to concede. He also said that whether it is the PML-N, PPP, or MQM, all fear granting powers to elected representatives, alleging that MQM and PPP act as 'friendly opposition' and none are willing to devolve political and local government authority.He further said that rulers are unwilling t o provide Karachi with electricity, water, roads, and transport, noting that the K-IV water project remains incomplete even after 21 years and that 50 percent of Karachi lacks water supply. He added that Karachi collected Rs3,256 billion in taxes last year, yet citizens are deprived of basic facilities.Sit-ins were staged at Shahrah-e-Pakistan, Super Highway, National Highway, Shahrah-e-Orangi, Shahrah-e-Korangi Crossing, Hub River Road (Sher Shah), Dawood Chowrangi, Lea Market, Shahrah-e-Sher Shah Suri Road, and Johar Mor on Rashid Minhas Road.