Baal Statue Seized in Karachi

On March 12, 2026, police in Karachi’s Korangi area seized a statue alleged to depict a satanic figure, which was intended to be burned during a Youm al-Quds procession. The statue, made of thermocol, was designed to resemble a devil-like figure representing Baal, a deity historically worshipped as a storm and fertility god in the ancient Near East.

The term ‘Baal’ translates to ‘lord’ or ‘master’ in Semitic languages, and its association with demonic imagery has evolved in later Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions. The statue drew significant attention due to its unusual appearance and size, which recalls a similar controversy involving a sculpture in Lahore in 2019, measuring 20 feet tall.

Commissioned by religious scholar Allama Shabar Zaidi, the statue was discovered in a shop located in Mehran Town. The police reported that the effigy had been ordered specifically for destruction during a protest procession on Jumatul Wida.

During the police operation, the craftsman who created the statue was questioned, although no arrests were made. The incident has sparked discussions about the implications of such representations in the context of religious sentiments and cultural sensitivities.

The police emphasized the importance of verifying information before spreading rumors on digital platforms, highlighting the potential for misinformation in sensitive matters. As the situation develops, the exact origin of the statue and the individuals responsible for its creation and intended display remain unclear. Details remain unconfirmed.