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Arrests of party leaders: MQM to hold hunger strikes in protest

Token hunger strikes, the sources said, will be held on August 4 and 5 while a rally is scheduled for August 6

Ammar Suria August 01, 2016

It was informed that all senior leaders and party workers will participate in these token hunger strikes. PHOTO: FILE

KARACHI: In the midst of heightened tensions and friction following the arrest of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) leaders, the party has decided to hold token hunger strikes and rallies, sources have told The Express Tribune.

MQM's Karachi mayor-nominee Waseem Akhtar, along with three other political figures, was arrested last week after an anti-terrorism court rejected their interim bails in a terror facilitation case involving former petroleum minister Dr Asim Hussain.

Waseem Akhtar, three other politicians arrested on terror facilitation charges

Token hunger strikes, the sources said, will be held on August 4 and 5 whereas a rally is scheduled for August 6.

Party's Sunday rally at Mazar-e-Quaid was cancelled at the eleventh hour, with no specific reason provided.

While the mayoral election schedule has been announced, the party's mayor nominee remains under police custody.

Senior party leaders, including Farooq Sattar are expected to participate in the demonstrations.