After violence hits home, broken PPP MNA steps down

KARACHI: It was the straw that broke the camel’s back. In this case, the bullet. A Pakistan People’s Party MNA threw in the towel on Saturday after two of his close friends, also party members, became the latest victims in the string of target killings that have brought Sindh’s coalition to its knees.

“I resign from my post,” said an emotional Patel at Civil hospital, surrounded by a crush of charged party workers. “I cannot continue my job as an MNA as the government has failed to protect party workers. I cannot face the people after my friends have been murdered.” Edhi Ameen Khaskheli, 40, and Abdul Ghani Wachani, 42, were going home on their motorcycles when two men on a motorcycle sprayed them with bullets.

Edhi Ameen was not just a friend but also worked as a coordinator for Patel, who was elected from NA 239. He was shot five times and Ghani thrice. The police said they died on the spot. The men were passing Sajjan Goth and the attack took place right behind the Saeedabad police training centre, said SHO Shaukat Zaman.

Enraged activists from the area took to the streets and blocked the road. Fearing more violence, the police and rangers hit the ground. PPP leaders took part in the funerals at Mawach Goth where the anger was palpable. According to party sources, Patel was forced to go home and sleep after the burials.

“Whenever he overcomes this shock we will try to persuade him to take his resignation back,” said Najmi Alam, the president of the PPP in Karachi. “They were like sons to him.” Till the filing of this report no FIR was lodged as confirmed by SHO Shaukat Zaman. APP reported that Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah condemned the killings and ordered the arrests of the culprits.