Respect political rivals despite disagreements, Kamal advises youth

Former mayor leaves without speaking to media after inaugurating cricket series at DHA stadium, Karachi

KARACHI: Mustafa Kamal has advised his followers to respect rivals despite political disagreements and work for unity among the ranks.

"This city can be built in a time span of six months but before building the infrastructure, we need to unite and bring hearts of the dwellers closer," the former Karachi mayor said.

He was addressing youth after inaugurating a cricket series at DHA stadium, Khadda Market on Thursday.



Earlier, Kamal convened a press conference apparently to include more political figures in his fold, but the venue and schedule was changed twice.

The former mayor appeared at the ceremony but left without talking to media that was kept on waiting for several hours.

Kamal said the city created many heroes but now they were linked with terrorism and mischievous activities. Karachi can be revived as a peaceful and beckoning city, he added.

Former Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) leaders Dr Sagheer Ahmed, Waseem Aftab, Iftikhar Alam and Raza Haroon joined Kamal following his announcement to launch a new political party on March 3.



He simultaneously alleged Altaf Hussain of fomenting terrorism in Karachi, calling him an agent of the Indian spy agency RAW.

On March 12, Kamal assured the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) of cooperation to probe allegations against the MQM and its leadership.

The agency, under the interior minister's directions, has also been successful in convincing money laundering co-accused Sarfaraz Merchant to testify in Pakistan.