Imran made Karachi a battlefield: MQM leader

MQM leader says Imran offended MQM supporters by accusing their leader of killing.


Web Desk May 20, 2013
PHOTO: IRFAN ALI

Post-May 11 elections, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chairman Imran Khan made Karachi a battlefield, accused Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) leader Waseem Aftab on Monday.

Aftab was addressing a protest gathering outside the Karachi Press Club.

He further said that the PTI chairman offended MQM supporters by accusing their leader of killing.

PTI leadership had earlier held MQM chief Altaf Hussain responsible for the murder of PTI central vice president Zehra Shahid Hussain in Karachi.

"I hold (MQM leader) Altaf Hussain directly responsible for the murder as he openly threatened PTI workers and leaders through public broadcasts,” Imran Khan had said in a tweet.

"I also hold the British government responsible as I had warned them about British citizen Altaf Hussain after his open threats."

MQM termed the allegation as an attempt to defame the party leadership.

“It’s yet to be confirmed whether this incident is a street crime or targeted killing,” said Farooq Sattar while speaking at a news conference in the wee hours of Sunday, adding that the blame game at this stage would affect the investigations.

“It is unfortunate that PTI Chairman Imran Khan showed his political immaturity and blamed MQM chief Altaf Hussain for the murder,” he said and called upon the government to take notice of Imran Khan’s statement.

MQM protest

Another MQM protest was held outside the press club in Hyderabad, reported Express News on Monday. According to MQM protesters, the demonstration will continue till the MQM Coordination Committee asks them to disperse.

Security arrangements have been made by authorities to ensure peace.

PTI Protest

The PTI workers are also due to protest in various parts of the country against the MQM chief.

PTI chairman Imran called for a protest in Karachi outside the Mazar-e-Quaid in the evening on Monday.

Earlier, PTI was due to protest outside Karachi Press Club in the afternoon but the venue and time has been changed.

Roads going towards the Karachi Press Club and red zones had been blocked by barriers in preparation for the protest.

COMMENTS (143)

reasonlight | 10 years ago | Reply

While I strongly condemn the brutal killing of Zahra Shahid Hussain, I would like to take this opportunity as an individual to apologise to the Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) supporters on behalf on my leader, Imran Khan’s statement.

I doubt my party will issue an apology statement or agree with me so I will speak for myself.

It was incorrect of Imran Khan to point a finger at your supporters without waiting for an inquiry and an investigation to be completed on the senseless killing of Zahra Shahid Hussain.

Apart from the chaos felt in Karachi, it achieved what it meant to and that is to divide our people and parties further and deepen our hatred towards each other.

As a Karachi resident I accept the MQM as a political force in our city. There are many who feel that by pointing at the MQM, it will eventually bring an end to your party and your supporters.

MQM and its supporters are here to stay and I accept that.

My party’s struggle for change may not have fully come but real change will only be realised when we start changing ourselves, our behaviour and thinking. As a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporter I feel privileged enough that I can publicly disagree with my leader and not feel afraid in doing so.

By writing this letter, I hope to change myself and my thinking for a better Pakistan.

While I stand with my leader and support him, I hope to see a ‘Naya Pakistan’; a Pakistan where I can also stand with you in line and sing together our country’s heart warming national anthem.

Pakistan First!

Best regards,

Imran Ahmed

bilal | 10 years ago | Reply

http://tribune.com.pk/story/553067/the-terror-continues-five-killed-in-separate-acts-of-violence/ yesterday five people or I would say the families have been killed in Karachi. MQM please confirm who is responsible for the loss. your governor is still in power

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