MQM ‘criminal’ elements: Imran was first to expose MQM, says PTI leader

Party also condemns attack on party leaders Imran Ismail, Faisal Vawda

KARACHI: Imran Khan is the one who exposed the criminal elements of MQM, claimed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) newly-appointed Karachi president Firdous Shamim Naqvi. “We were the first party to protest against them [MQM] in the city and talked openly against them on media,” he said.

At a press conference at Insaf House on Friday, Naqvi also denied reports of any coalition with the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), saying that such an alliance cannot be made till MQM disassociates itself from their London-based chief and criminal elements.

He also condemned the attack on PTI senior leaders Imran Ismail and Faisal Vawda, adding that PTI is not afraid of anyone. "We have sacrificed Zahra Shahid for the sake of the city but were never scared of these coward tactics," stated Naqvi.  "The Karachi Ittehad was formed to provide an alternative to the citizens of Karachi, keeping aside political differences, and to challenge the immoral politics of the party that has been claiming to be the only well-wisher of the city," said Naqvi, commenting on PTI's rifts with the Karachi Ittehad.

After the votes to MQM were found to be tampered with, it is now clear what actually happened at the District Municipal Corporation West elections, claimed Naqvi, adding that those blaming PTI for the alliance should accept that a faction within MQM tampered the votes. There will be no alliance, but PTI will support mayor Wasim Akhtar for his good work of the city, said Naqvi, adding that PTI will prove to be a tough opposition in the city council and any decision taken against the city's future will be criticised.

PTI appoints Karachi president

Sindh PTI president Dr Arif Alvi appointed Naqvi as the Karachi president of PTI, according to a notification issued on Friday. Meanwhile, on the recommendation of Naqvi, MPA Khurram Sher Zaman was appointed senior vice-president and Sardar Abdul Aziz as the general-secretary for the Karachi region. Naqvi and Zaman vowed to fulfill the responsibility given to them and will spread Imran Khan's message. The position of Karachi president has been vacant since January when the party's election commission dissolved all its official positions. The last PTI president to lead Karachi was Ali Zaidi. 

Published in The Express Tribune, August 27^th, 2016.