Sindh

MQM to stage protests in Karachi over gag order on Altaf Hussain

Demonstrations to take place between 3pm-6pm at major roads of the metropolitan

News Desk January 26, 2016

Workers and supporters of MQM protest at MA Jinnah Road in Karachi on January 24, 2016. PHOTO: MOHAMMAD SAQIB/EXPRESS

Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) will hold demonstrations in Karachi on Tuesday to protest against a media ban on party supremo Altaf Hussain’s speech and images in media, according to a party statement.

According to a Lahore High Court order released in September last year, there is a complete blackout on the coverage of Hussain’s in the media after his alleged statements against the state institutions.

The party appealed to its members and general public to participate fully from 3:00pm to 6:00pm to press for the removal of, what it termed, unconstitutional and non-democratic ban on their chief.

Ban on Altaf's coverage: MQM protests at Mazar-e-Quaid

The statement further said that protests will be staged at Babar Market Landhi, Chiniot Hospital Korangi, Star Gate Sharah-e-Faisal, Jauhar Morr Gulistan-e-Jauhar, Hasan Square Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Numaish Chowrangi MA Jinnah road, Do Talwar Clifton, Regal Chowk Saddar, Five Star Chowrangi North Nazimabad and near Liaquatabad bridge No. 10.

The protests are feared to greatly affect traffic on major roads of the metropolis.

Devolve it right: MQM tables resolution on LG powers

Earlier on Monday, MQM legislators reportedly walked out from Sindh Assembly as they were not allowed to put forth a resolution, demanding the government to remove the ban.

COMMENTS (9)

salim habib | 8 years ago | Reply if you were a student of history particularly of Pakistan most of us would be in favor of the ban,havn't we had enough of these kinds of bulling,eh.

someone | 8 years ago | Reply @Shahid: what happened to freedom of expression????

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Hasan | 8 years ago | Reply In a country where militants roam free and have open access to media, but revolutionary leaders and patriots, champions of democracy like AH are barred from media to raise there voice against terrorism & extremism. RIP Jinnah and his version of Freedom.

Napier Mole | 8 years ago | Reply The protests are perfectly justified as the LHC judgement is patently wrong and has been decried even by all the major independent editorials of the country. The SC was, furthermore wrong by returning the ball to LHC's court rather than clearly determining the legality and validity of the LHC decision.

Iqbal | 8 years ago | Reply @Shahid: "For a few lakh people". Anything demanded by such a large number of people (specially if it's legitimate) must be allowed. Clearly shows you are not from Karachi.

MM123 | 8 years ago | Reply He should be allowed to speak like everyone else. Even those parties who openly oppose Pakistan and beat those who wave Pakistani flags on 14th Aug (example some nationalist parties) are allowed to speak. All most corrupt and supporters of dacoits are allowed to speak. However, when it comes to AH and MQM surprisingly the rules change!!!

Paa ji | 8 years ago | Reply Please let us live in peace. No noise pollution.

kamran Ahmad Kami | 8 years ago | Reply We want our quaid back... :'(

Shahid | 8 years ago | Reply The city and television both have become so peaceful ever since a gag was put on Mr. AH. Let it continue. No need to give in for entertainment of a few lakh people. Mafia should not be supported.

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