National Highway in Hyderabad reopens after lawyers end protest

The lawyers’ protest in Hyderabad ended on its third day after the police officer at the center of the dispute took a leave of absence, according to a lawyer’s leader on Saturday.

The protest had led to major road closures, causing significant inconvenience to residents and commuters.

Lawyers had been demanding the transfer of a senior police officer, SSP Farrukh Lanjar, following the filing of an FIR against a fellow lawyer.

The Sindh Police had offered to form a judicial commission to resolve the issue, but the lawyers conditioned their agreement on Lanjar’s transfer.

Hyderabad DIG Tariq Razak Dharejo confirmed that SSP Lanjar’s leave request was approved, and SSP Tando Mohammad Khan was given additional responsibility for Hyderabad.

The protest initially stemmed from a case where Hyderabad police charged lawyer Ali Raza for having a fancy number plate and tinted windows.

The protest saw solidarity from lawyers in other areas, including Sehwan, Dadu, and Karachi. Over 10 Hyderabad police officers also applied for leave amid the unrest.

The protests ended following talks between DIG Dharejo and the lawyers. Political leaders, including Haleem Adil Sheikh and Zain Shah, had joined the protest in support of the lawyers.