KARACHI: Tempers flared in the aftermath of Zulfiqar Mirza's statements late Wednesday night, when he called MQM leader Altaf Hussain a '100 times bigger criminal' than MQM-Haqiqi leader Afaq Ahmed.
Karachi saw a sharp rise in violence, as 17 people were gunned down and over 40 vehicles torched in protest of Mirza's statement. Angry MQM protesters marched to Mirza's house in Karachi to protest against his statements.
By early evening, Altaf Hussain appealed for peace and asked his party workers to end the protests that were being staged in various parts of Sindh.
The protesters dispersed, and were prevented from entering the road to Miza's house by Rangers personnel.
End of live updates
6:00 pm
Express Tribune correspondent Hafeez Tunio reports that a meeting to discuss the current situation is currently underway at the Governor House in Karachi.
Zulfiqar Mirza, PML-Q leader Chaudhry Shujaat, acting Governor Nisar Khuro, Senior Minister Sindh Pir Mazharul Haq, Local Bodies Minister Agha Siraj Durrani, PML-Q leader Haleem Adil Shaikh and other senior leaders of the PPP are at the meeting.
5:40 pm
The Express Tribune has obtained a copy of Zulfiqar Mirza's apology letter. Click here to read it.
Chief Minister Sindh Qaim Ali Shah, after the meeting at CM house, had appealed to MQM chief Altaf Hussain and all Urdu-speaking people to remain calm. He said Zulfiqar Mirza’s statement was his personal opinion and not party policy.
He also appealed to Altaf Hussain to play his role for peace in Karachi.
5:30 pm
Eyewitnesses near Zulfiqar Mirza's house say that protesters have started to disperse after Altaf Hussain's appeal for peace.
5:20 pm
Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain appeals to the people of Karachi to remain calm. He urged his party workers to end the protests and rallies taking place all over the province.
5:00 pm
Express 24/7 reports that protesters have burnt three cars in the Korangi area of Karachi.
Rioters have also torched 10 buses at a North Nazimabad bus stop. Gas cylinders at the bus stop have caught fire.
4:45 pm
Express 24/7 reports that protesters are burning tyres at Liberty Chowk in Hyderabad.
Rioters have also torched 10 buses at Sakhi Hassan, Karachi.
More than 40 vehicles have been destroyed by angry protesters in Karachi and Hyderabad today.
4:30 pm
As a sidenote, the Sindh High Court has ordered that Mohajir Qaumi Movement (MQM Haqiqi) leader Afaq Ahmed not be arrested in any future cases without its permission.
4:15 pm
Express Tribune correspondent Hafeez Tunio reports that a meeting of the PPP Karachi Division is currently underway at the CM house to discuss the current situation and devise a strategy. Chief Minister Sindh Qaim Ali Shah is chairing the meeting.
4:10 pm
Express Tribune correspondent Hafeez Tunio reports that PPP rallies in support of Zulfiqar Mirza have been taken out from Wahdat Colony and Qasimabad in Hyderabad and from Kennedy Market to the Press Club in Larkana.
There are reports of participants burning Altaf Hussain effigies at the rallies in Qasimabad and Larkana.
Rallies have also been taken out from Qambar Shahdakot, Badin and Thatta. There are reports of preparations of rallies taking place in other cities of Sindh.
4:05 pm
Express Tribune correspondent Saba Imtiaz reports that the road towards Zulfiqar Mirza's house has been cleared by the police. She clarfies that rumours that protesters are enroute to Mardan House are incorrect.
Here's the Twitter buzz:
needroos Forget the pen, words are mightier than the sword. thinkb4uspeak!
murtazasolangi SHC resumes hearing of Aafaq Ahmed case. Aafaq Ahmed can't be arrested in any new case
fizzarahman Feel sad for the ones who live on daily wages. What had they eaten today? What would they eat in the later part of the day?
fasi_zaka Maybe its time to handover Karachi to Mathira.
YusraSAskari Dear PPP and MQM, This battle of the egos has got to end. You aren’t doing Karachi any favours!
4:00 pm
Express 24/7 correspondent Shaheryar Mirza reports that the angry mob in the Gizri area of Karachi is making its way towards the house of Zulfiqar Mirza.
3:40 pm
Express 24/7 reports that a PPP rally is being taken out against the MQM from Qasimabad in Hyderabad. Aerial shots have been fired by protesters during the rally. He added that police have barricaded the entry points to the minister's house.
3:30 pm
Angry protesters are taking out a rally from Gizri bridge towards Zulfiqar Mirza's house in the Defence Housing Authority area. Express 24/7 correspondent Shaheryar Mirza says it is not clear if the protesters are all from the Muttahida Qaumi Movement.
3:20pm
The Mohajir Coordination Council (MCC) said Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader Zulfiqar Mirza and Sindh Awami National Party (ANP) President Agha Shahi Syed must leave Karachi within 48 hours or the government should brace for serious protests.
3:15pm
ANP and PML-N have condemned Zulfiqar Mirza's statements, terming them "irresponsible".
14 killed, 25 injured
The newly appointed Sindh Home Minister Manzoor Wasan said that 14 people had been killed and 25 injured in Karachi on Thursday.
More than 30 vehicles were also torched in the city.
After the statements and allegations by PPP leader Zulfiqar Mirza regarding MQM chief Altaf Hussain, violence and unrest have spread to different parts of Karachi and Hyderabad.
Talking to the media, Wasan said that he respects Altaf Hussain and added that the city has suffered due to one person's statements.
He appealed to the citizens to remain peaceful. He also added that 131 suspects have been arrested in connection to the violence in the metropolis.
"I need time to normalise the situation in Karachi," Wasan added.
Interior Minister Rehman Malik has ordered DG Rangers and IG Sindh to control Karachi's deteriorating situation.
Heavy contingents of police and Rangers have fanned out in the city and held flag march.
The situation also forced an early closure at the Karachi Stock Exchange, because of poor attendance, Mohammad Sohail, chief executive officer of the Topline Securities brokerage, told AFP.
"We closed the stock market after half a day due to the deteriorated law and order situation in the city. We did not open the market for the afternoon session because there was very small attendance," he said.
Fear grips Karachi
Express Tribune correspondent Saba Imtiaz reported that Shah Faisal Colony was completely cordoned off by a horde of young boys, several of whom were wielding sticks.
Tyres were being burnt at the entrance to the area.
Smoke could be seen from a visible distance. The men did not let Express Tribune's staff enter and fired warning shots to not venture further.
There is very little traffic and all motorcycles and cars are being turned back from Shah Faisal.
No police could be seen but police officers in the adjoining area said firing was ongoing since midnight and they had no orders except guard their positions.
MQM calls protest
The Muttahida Qaumi Movement announced taht it will stage protests across the country today (Thursday), against Pakistan People's Party senior leader Dr Zulfiqar Mirza's statements against MQM and its chief Altaf Hussain.
All shops and markets in Karachi, Hyderabad and other adjacent areas have been closed.
IG Sindh Wajid Durani has directed the police and law enforcement agencies to ensure law and order in the city.
Karachi's transport union and traders union in Hyderabad have announced a strike, stating that government has not ensured provision of security to them.
Karachi Jamia University and Federal Urdu University have cancelled all examinations. The new date for exams will be announced later.
MQM announced that they will gather outside the Hyderabad Press Club today, to protest against the PPP minister's remarks.
Tension grips city after Mirza's statements
The city shut down early Thursday morning, shortly after new channels aired former Sindh Home Minister Zulfiqar Mirza’s statements against MQM.
According to sources, the death toll has risen to five, including two near Sher Shah, one each in Baldia and Malir and earlier a woman in Hussainabad, while over a dozen people have been reported injured.
The Landhi police station was reportedly attacked by a hand grenade. No loss of life was reported.
Meanwhile incidents of arson and firing continued across the city with a mini bus, two lorries and 12 cars were torched in different parts of the city.
According to reports, in Hyderabad a person was shot down and five were injured.
Federal Interior Minister Rehman Malik has taken notice of the violence in Karachi and Hyderabad and ordered DG Ranger’s and IG Sindh to control the deteriorating situation in both cities, after which Rangers and police were directed to take stern action against miscreants.
Meanwhile nearly one dozen suspects including five in Liaquatbad were detained.
Emergency has been declared in city hospitals.
Earlier armed men on motorcycles and in cars opened indiscriminate firing across the city forcing the city to shut down.
One woman had reportedly been killed in a firing incident near Hasan Square while nearly half a dozen others were injured in different parts of the city.
The most affected areas included Malir, Shah Faisal, Gulistan-e-Jauhar, Liaquatabad, New Karachi, Gulshan, Hasan Square, Federal 'B' Area, Sohrab Goth, Saddar, Kharadar, Lines Area, Ranchore Line and others.
Petrol and CNG pumps, shops and all commercial activities had come to a standstill.
Residents staged protests in different parts of the city, chanting slogans against Mirza and burning his effigy. Law enforcement agencies had yet to take any action despite being on high alert.
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COMMENTS (87)
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The time has come to create more provinces within Pakistan Said Faisal Muhammed Former Taqseem-e-Sindh Chairman like Hazara, Seraiki, Karachi Province . I advise Altaf Hussain to support TAQSEEM-E-SINDH TEHREEK for the batter feature of Urdu Speaking peoples in sindh.
I feel that these demonstrations of tire burning (not the vehicles set on fire) were the true demonstrations from the people of Karachi who trace their roots to immigrants from India. And this was not because their "alleged" leaders character was mauled. It was the "nanga bhooka" comment that got the better of most people seen protesting on the roads. And that rally that was supposed to go to Mr. Mirza's residence... How smoothly it was blocked off..... Wonder if this sort of expediency was shown at Kati Pahari, the hundred that were killed and thousands displaced were better off. Was it the fear of a begining of popular uprising that made the govt protect mirza?, who is oneof their our kind (parasite). I believe mirza's party disowns his comments but not him as a person.
If Mirza statement is immoral then 17 killings and 40 cars burning is good news? Life has no value? All parties should think about Pakistan and must forget their personal benefits, they all have culprits in their parties and Police appointments are on political basis. According to Saleem Safi column Mr. President said to someone with smile " how did i engage in fighting MQM and ANP". How responsible is our president then we can assume what will be condition of our other parties? Solution is “depoliticize Police and free Karachi from weapons and then take stern steps against culprits across the board”.
Dispersion of violence after Altaf's request is a proof that people who were involved in violence were MQM followers. Why would they listen to him otherwise?
This is not the first time Zulfiquar Mirza has uttered venomous words against MQM. It is a most irresponsible act and must be condemn from every peace loving person.. I highly appreciate the action of Altaf Hussain in calling off protest and showing a leadership quality. Other parties should come forward in keeping the peace in Karachi. Mr. Misza must think twice before opening his mouth against any community and political party.This is creating a bad image of PPP. If these accusations are not stopped then a day will come when it will be too late to stop a demand for a seperate province for Karach. See the example of Bangladesh it was one province in 1974 and it has more than 20 provinces. Even India has created more provinces based on language. And by creating more provinces India is much more stronger economically and politically. Pakistan should create 3 more provinces in Punjab,one in khyber Pukhtoonkhah, 2 in baluchistan and one in sindh After creating more provinces we will see matuarity in people thinking, political sense and mutual coexistance will take place among cizen of Pakistan. We will prosper and there will be slogan for Azad Baluchistan.
Uza Syed,
Condemning MQM does not mean supporting Mirza.
Please get educated.
I believe my forefathers have taken Wrong decision in 1947 to move to newly formed country exclusively for Muslims. Now we cannot go back to our native land which is part of India. This is our country, otherwise all of us shall go to Arabian sea and fell in it. Khudha Hafiz.
Please don't say anything to these "Only Graduate" majority party in provincial and national assemblies. I think under graduates are better off. Total lack of tolerance though they themselves have said so much about the leaderships of all other provinces. They totally failed to note that this provocation by Mirza was to show the tolerance level of MQM. Now all is crystal clear who is who due to the rampage created by this party. Now can they claim that they are better than others???????
There is no difference between terrorists whether wearing a white cap in FATA or those jeans punks in Karachi.
I do not know too much about Karachi politics, but from here it looks like that non-Urdu speaking people want to marginalize Urdu speaking people in Karachi. In response the MQM is threatening violence in Karachi.
Leave karachi alone! If you are muslims who care about other muslims, have mercy on our people, join hands and live in harmony. It's about time we fulfill our obligations as muslim brothers and sisters.
Hmm....looks like a good way to control population growth in Pakistan.
The ET comments show how polarized we all are.
We are all Muslims and Islam prohibits discrimination on regional and linguistic basis. We need to love each other the way the companions loved each other and strengthen our bond with Allah and his Prophet.This the only way to get out of this mess. May Allah guide us all to the right path.
@Tanzeel: Come on. Wake-up and stop blaming the invisible third force. The whole world knows who resorted to indiscriminate firing in the night and forced the closure of the shops and markets.
I am a Muhajir and belong and live in Karachi. I just want to say that all this violence is extremely deplorable; However, I must say that MQM commands genuine respect in the city because it is the lesser of all the big 3 evils; namely ANP, PPP and MQM. Ask any trader in Judia Bazaar or any other commercial market in Karachi, the thugs and gangs of Lyari(Almost all of them are controlled by Peoples Amn Committee which is an offshoot of PPP and its leaders control them) are taking Bhatta or extortion money on regular basis.If somebody refuses they resort to kidnapping and other lethal violence. MQM since Musharraf's time has now almost abandoned the Bhatta culture which was once prevalent in its roots. ANP on the other hand is also not far behind in taking extortion money. I have been an Audit trainee in a Big 4 firm for almost two and a half years, and in that period I have yet to visit any factory in Site area and in Korangi which do not gives monthly homage to the thugs of ANP. The areas controlled by ANP for eg: Pehalwan Goth, Alasif Market , Banaras etc are a complete no go areas for any community including Punjabis and even Hazars. Areas of Lyari are also a no go area for any non Balochi member.MQM controlled areas are open for everybody and Pathans and Sindhis go there for work everyday. Pathan rehri walas and buses are found all across the city Even near nine zero. It is a deplorable situation in Karachi, but MQM is not all to blame. There was a massacre of Urdu speaking people in Qasba Colony and the general feeling is that MQM is trying to show its muscle. It is giving the signal that enough is enough and is ready to resort to violence if necessary.However, other parties are more to blame than just MQM. PPP decision to repeal to magistrate system has been extremely unpopular with the Karachi masses;cause the only time Karachi saw any of its progress was when there was Nazim system weather it was Mustufa Kamal of MQM or Naimatullah Khan of Jamaat e Islami. I am neither a sympathizer of any of the political parties, however, I would like people to take into consideration all the facts when making comments about the situation in Karachi.
If what he said earlier was his personal opinion then how come the Sindh Ministry of Information is issuing a statement?
Can someone explain why he says things like this and then apologizes? Does he really mean it when he apologizes or is he a liar like Rehman Malik, Farhatullah Babar, Zardari etc?
DID some body ever think how the family of those peoples who been killed in this FASAD will survive the counrty where no wellfare sysytem at all exist where govt dont provide a social security to its peoples and where faimilies run by man not woman and if some body die whole family suffer why man why u peoples do this to those poor peoples who all ready dying of hunger and unjust fuedal system all selfishness and family pride is high for them this is make me cry.
lwaders enjoying in homes and common men dying what a stupid country.
Natasha becomes immediately hyperactive supporter of anything and anyone appearing to be anti MQM. Yes, education does teach to stand up for your rights without fear of persecution or condemnation by forces of all Jaageerdar, Zameendar, Chaudhry, Mirs, Khans, Vadehras and their likes. Education is antidote of feudalism and subjugaion and expoitation of people.
Karachi is burning and so called Leader and Media saying this is "Awam ka rade amal".
There is nothing to do with "AWAM" these are followers of MQM and "Ghundah Aansir". who's trying to take hostage the whole city of Karachi. Since yesterday there is 15 people are dead and now Zulfiqar Miraza make apologize and Altaf Hussain accept his apology but who are responsible for death of 15 innocent persons. we "Taqseem-e-Sindh Tehreek" Members demanded to registered FIR Altaf Hussainand Zulfiqar Mirza who are playing with innocents peoples live by their words.
Absolute barbarism. On each side's part.
This is how Pakistan will get eaten up from the inside out. But we will continue to blame the world and outside forces for our troubles.
Shame on us. And shame on what we do to our nation and our people every single day.
Peaceful Seculars are busy in spreading love. LOL
@ Hassan
You call MQM racist but in the end you end up passing racist remarks against the people of an entire city... Enough hypocrisy nahi?
When Mirza utter such statements, his breath Alcohol test must immediately be taken to see if he is drunk or not. If he found drunked, he should be dealth with Hudood ordinance and put in the Jail.
As it is seen that after his alleged alcololic condition is over, he tenders his apology which is not sufficient as by that time temper gets from hot to hotter and damage is beyond control. This situation has arisen on many a times now and one of the main reason of MQM parting ways from PPP is only and only Mirza.
Abb bhee na Samjhay to iss to Khuda hee Samjhay - - - - - -
Regards
Dr. Saleem Siddiqi Johannesburg - South Africa
Why dont people understand? You are killing your own! How many people living on daily wage will go hingry! We are on the verge of collapse. I lost all hopes. :(
I am very sorry the division of Muslim in one country, The benefit goes to the enemy's pocket. Please be unite stop butchering each other over minter issues. What is going on in great commercial city.........................? Think, think and think we all are brother being Muslim.
I hope Zulfiqar Mirza is proud of himself!
I am a Karachite and have no political affiliation, but just because I speak Urdu means Afaq Ahmed should be my leader - is that what Mirza said?
Why is he singling out urdu speakers? Not all urdu speakers are MQM
But now I am starting to wonder whether MQM has been right all the while
i'm a sufi and a humanist, do not believe in discrimination on linguistic ,ethnic or religious basis. what you call that group who claim to be educated, liberal, enlightened representatives of middle class of biggest city in Pakistan, who do not even have courage to listen if anything is said against them or their so called revolutionary QUID by a "mad man".. and the only response they are known to show is through violence on the streets of the city which they claim to be theirs!! they always talk about the sacrifices of their elders gave for creation of Pakistan does this mean that the people living in current boundaries of Pakistan just listened it on Radio (in words of Khuwaja Izhar of MQM ) that a country has been created on their soil! what about the people of Punjab and Sindh who opened their doors for millions of migrants and gave them the food and land to settle.wasn't Sindh the first provincial assembly which passed resolution in favor of Pakistan? if the love for Pakistan was the only reason for migration of their elders then what about the majority of Muslims in united India who decided not to leave their homes and come to Pakistan. "Mad man" has spoken the truth but may be in a harsh way......
Well the MQM proves its supporters are no better than the rabid masses of Pakistan. What a country we have become.
Frankk, you won teh debate. Think you are one of the most talented or may be the most informed person in Pakistan. Mahajors will lost majority till 2020 and Pashtuns would be the majority in Karachi. That is what Mahajors want to stop. The military operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has increased the prsocess of migration and it may happen within a few years. They should go back to Ganga Jamna. That is thier motherland. The are not from Indus valley.
MQM is not killing people, its the third force trying to sabotage peaceful protests organized by Karachites. Spare MQM for God sake, disassociate yourselves from Mirza for sometime please.
What’s the usual percentage of innocent that get killed in these killings? Why isn’t the vote bank affected when the voters know that the party they vote for is involved in acts of fascism?
Mumbai and Karachi are suffering the most :(
Looks like the largest province racists have again proved to be myopic and not objective. Since they are the greatest usurpers of resources and rights in Pakistan, they are very conveniently siding with their side kicks in the South. The Urdu speaking community has never been accepted as the sons of the soil and will never be accepted in the future as well. My parents used to tell us stories regarding discrimination against them in schools in Punjab, especially being called different names but we never took them seriously, however, now it is evidently clear that we should not waste our time, energy and resources any more to prove ourselves as the sons of the soil as it will now be a futile exercise.
This is absolutely stupid. If Mirza made statements against the MQM leader than make statements against Mirza why have you resorted to killing people?
This killing and terrorism in Karachi is TREASON against Pakistan!
One thing is clear that Muslims perticulerly Pakistanis are unable to govern the country. What a pity that we are killing one another for the sake and presitge of our leaders.
1) - Who will be responsible for those 100+ innocent people, killed in these voilences. 2) - Who will be responsible for those poor families, who heavily rely on day to day wages, and they couldn't earn any thing due to this strike, voilence and shutterdown. 3) - Who will be responsible of burning those vehicles, properties and assets. 4) - Who will be responsible for ruining the image of our country in the international world.
Please stop all this, wake up now, and identify all these who is right and who is wrong. These politician are all same, no difference. They only love power, nothing else.
The time has come to create more provinces within Pakistan - Hazara, Seraiki, Karachi ProvinceS.
My dear friends, dont fight each other, just pray for the peace and prosperity in Karachi and in Pakistan. But, bloodshed and terrorism is only weakening Karachi, so dont support anything which endanger this metropolis.
Birbal,
School's are off these days and the kids in the picture are undergoing summer classes for defending their race.
@birbal, because they are from Karachi and they were born 'educated'!!!!!!!
Syed Imran,
If they started listening to the Prophet, theyd have to behave as 'humans' and thats too difficult when your 'race' and your 'language' is at stake.
The funda - Let's become ghairatmand animals and protect our race.
Such educated responses from the so called educated people of an 'ethnic' party. You guys tried to become a national party but at the end of the day your true colours are exposed you are nothing but an ethnic pressure group.
Why your sensibilities arent hurt when you make fun of Pathans, Punjabis and Sindhis calling them paindoos, jaaahil and all other names
Why isnt your ghairat aroused when you cuddle upto the PPP time and time again for ministries and power?
Whats the difference between you and rabid Mullahs who are willing to kill anyone and everyone for differences of opinion
Its all a sham and everyone knows it, whining and crying wont get you anywhere if you have guts stand up for a principle rather than fall for every stupid statement uttered by a useless individual. But then why expect substance when clearly there isnt any.....
Why are those kids shown on the picture not in school ?
@ Tanzeel
For you killing of innocent people is Ghairat in the name of Altaf Hussain, but you have no Ghairat in the name of ALLAH and his messenger Muhammad SAW. who forbids this act.
@Tanzeel your comment depicts how literate you are.. is this the way to protest? Burn property of innocent people
//Blasphemous remarks of Mirza, hurting the “secular” sensibilities of MQM… //
Precisely.
@Tanzeel: treated with iron fist Sorry to say that you are so far only killing innocent citizens with your iron fist and destroying their property. Your IRON FIST is completely missing the target.
So 'educated' people justify murder for a few condemnable words under the cover of 'gherat'. What pathetic state has this country come to.
@Salman Orangiwala: I second Salman! Chaye gaye ho tum : )
Mirza's statements is against a particular ethnicity, the makers of Pakistan. Whatever is happening as a reaction is completely justified. We are not a "beygherat Qaum" who will sit silent and watch tamasha, we have given sacrifices and whoever passes any remarks against our loyalties will be treated with iron fist -- being literate doesn't mean we are defenseless.
Salman
No. You haven't been the majority in Karachi for many years. You are the largest community in Karachi (there is a difference) , but you will also lose that status in the next 5-10 years because of massive Pashtun migration to Karachi. And it is this that is the crux of the issue - the root cause of Muhajir violence in the city.
When shall we categorize ourselves as Pakistanis instead of MQM, PPP, PML. Why do our Politicians Thrive on Hate instead of Love. What happened to "Reconciliation", or is that just a facade?
Grow out of Party politics and think of Pakistan.... before it is too late!
Who cares about electrictity, crimes, poor governance, transportation, water, economy, terrorism. These hyenas are only concerned with eating flesh of their own people
I think the world would be a better place if Pakistani TV channels were shut....cud we just have 1 satellite channel instead of 50+ ?
Now what is General Public has to do with Mirza's statement. Why are they burning shops, vehicles and killing their own citizens. Its Mirza who said so they should go after him. Why are they destroying a general man's life?
Mirza is an old and trusted friend of Zardari, he was rewarded time and again by Big Z, his wife was made speaker national assembly, is that all not enough for a friend? Why he opposes MQM so violently? I am from Islamabad and have little knowledge of Karachi but I am greately disturbed by a lethal campaign of PPP Government against a majority party of Sindh. Is this democracy?
Now it is clear who is behind killing or distruction of Karachi.
Countdown to Sindhistan has started.....
Zulfiqar Mirza has lit a fuse and one hopes the fires are doused soon before it causes much damage. These are difficult times where fissiparous elements are waiting for incentives to take centre stage. Balochistan is on the boil and last thing one needed is to provoke and precipitate extreme reactions in Sindh side as well....
If anything happens, history will hold Zulfiqar Mirza responsible for causing this flash point....
we condemn statements inciting hatred against mohajirs. Karachi has been built by Mohajirs mainly and Mohajirs will protect it from terrorists and drug addicts.
Blasphemous remarks of Mirza, hurting the "secular" sensibilities of MQM...
I just came up with this lame poem. I hope you guys will like it a bit [if not more]:
Ek bayan kia nikla Mirza Sahib ke dehn se... Aath janey gayi is syasi girehn se.
Note: Dehn = Mouth [Farsi]
Why blame governmental bickering? It's the people having the insane mass murder sprees at the drop of a hat. There are a lot of ways that are a lot more sane to react to trash talking politicians and it doesn't involve killing every random person they see or hope are on the other side of a wall. Nobody in their right mind would assume that's the kind of reactions what they say will get. You can't realistically ask a politician to control that. That's because it means people are only tolerating their presence. The moment their tolerance drops slightly all hell breaks loose and their tolerance is not going to increase due to reprimand.
It's a pretty nasty scene all around. It's hard for anyone to come up with a morally clean way to fix that mess. But, it does show how much importance a citizen's frame of mind is combined with the government's. If the people want to kill each other, any white flag will turn red no matter who is holding it.
MQM must understand that the loss of Karachi is their own loss, Zulfiqar Mirza type people come and go, but we have to live in Karachi, so please save your city and be noble. Just consider: "Barking Dogs Seldom Bite".
now they r sending the troops to avoid any mishaps in the whole city, but jus need to ask them tht wht were the reason behind sending the military troops in orangi town after five days of innocent people killings. can any one hav any answer of my this question???????
It should be criminal for anyone to incite ethnic strife among people of Karachi. Karachi is the economic heart of Pakistan and absolutely no one should be allowed to destabilize this city. This kind of game has been played before few times and only Pakistan lost.
@Natasha Suleman: Shows you the true nature of so called education in Pakistan. The rural masses are actually more educated in terms of behaviour and wisdom. As for the truth, why can't Mirza say it as it is without others resorting to violence?
ARIF@ PLease leave ARMED FORCES out of this. Enough of Military. This cleansing is good for DEMOCRACY which you dearly wanted. Now enjoy it
Hooliganism and ghoondaism taking a ride on the people's back. Is this what Pak democracy brings - no water, no power, no gas, no food, killings, burnings, sufferings, no business, no livelihood, fear of life, demons, chaos, slavery and Big Anger and hoplessness!! May God have mercy on the people's sufferings. Ameen!
Irresponsible statement and even more irresponsible reaction by the workers of the party claimed to have most educated followers in Pakistan.
This seems like a showdown between the Party of MQM and PPP and ANP, NOT between Muhajirs, Sindhis, Pathans, Punjabis of Karachi's residence but the political interest behind it. This is a conspericy against Karachi residents. The people in responsible position fanning hatrated are only seeking a desperate attempt to save themselves from a horrible outcome
We need freedom of speech in Pakistan. Even crazy guys like Mirza should be allowed to speak their mind.
Not surprising. Many believe that violence is something without which MQM can not survive. Zulfiqar Mirza's statement is godsend opportunity for this party. Sevile media is busy projecting minor gatherings by hard core followers with a few tyres into an spontaneous mammoth protests.
Well.let MQM try this. They will be the losers in the end.
That's the way of protesting by workers of a secular, progressive party representing 95% people of Pakistan belonging to middle and lower middle class.
No doubt Mirza's statement is provocative and he should be punished but MQM workers should understand and patience. Otherwise Mirza will be happy to see what is happening. MQM leaders should request the emotional workers not to damage their own assets. I think Judiciary or Armed Forces should interfere and stop mirza to act like this.
Here we go again !
The city seems to be suffering from an overdose of 'education'.
please stop burning your own home/city with this political rubbish ....... torching vehicles and shutting down the city helps noone _ dont we have bigger things to attend to???? .... Media plays the dirty game by sensationalising this rubiish statment which may lead to further violence - probably the last thing this city and country needs!