President Asif Ali Zardari expressed his displeasure over the “uncalled for remarks” made by the senior provincial minister Dr Zulfiqar Mirza and warned him to be careful in future.
The President, who is also the Co-Chairman PPP, had summoned Dr Mirza on Thursday to seek an explanation over his controversial remarks.
Zardari said that all Muhajirs, whether in Sindh, KPK, Punjab or any other part of the country, were Pakistanis and sons of the soil. “Any suggestion to the contrary or any insinuation that tended to undermine their status as Pakistani nationals or patriotism is abhorrent,” a statement issued from the President House quoted Zardari.
Statement said that the President had also telephoned the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) leader Altaf Hussain early Friday morning to convey his regrets over the uncalled for and unacceptable remarks of Mirza.
The President asked Dr Mirza to be careful in making public statements and said that neither the party nor the government would condone offensive remarks.
MQM welcome President's steps against Mirza, continue to stay in opposition
MQM chief Altaf Hussain issued a statement on Friday welcoming President Zardari's measures taken against Mirza. He also extended his support to the government in all their positive steps, while staying in the opposition.
Altaf Hussain assured the President of MQM's support to the government in strengthening democracy, eliminating extremism, restoring peace and uplifting the economy.
On the other hand MQM spokesman Wasay Jalil said reports of MQM's reconciliation with the government were baseless as well as denying reports of Dr. Ishratul Ibad resuming his post as Governor Sindh.
Karachi pulled back from the brink
After almost 24 hours of mayhem and bloodshed, sanity appeared to prevail at last as the top leaders of both the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) sought to calm matters and urged restraint on the part of the hotheads within their own respective parties.
Sources said that President Asif Ali Zardari in particular seemed to be incensed at Sindh Senior Minister Zulfiqar Mirza’s remarks about the Mohajir ethnic group and order him to apologise on camera on Thursday evening, even though a written apology statement had already been issued on his behalf by the Sindh Press Information Department earlier in the day.
“The president had already asked him not to issue such statements, which can cause trouble between both former coalition partners,” a senior leader of PPP said.
In the video released late on Thursday, Mirza appeared visibly distraught as he apologised for his remarks from the night before: “The statement issued by me was my personal opinion. It was not my party’s policy. I apologise if I have hurt to any Urdu-speaking people who have been, are, and always will be my brothers.”
Despite the apology, however, the president may order Mirza to suspend his political activities, according to sources familiar with the matter. Mirza has been summoned by the president to Islamabad in order to make “an important decision”.
Meanwhile, Interior Minister Rehman Malik thanked MQM leader Altaf Hussain for his appeal for calm from the MQM’s supporters.
Hussain had earlier made the appeal after violent protests broke out on Wednesday night in response to Mirza’s statements, forcing all of Karachi to shut down for most of Thursday.
“Altaf Hussain has proven that he is a great leader and a patriotic Pakistani,” said Malik, adding that “We still look forward to the MQM rejoining us in government. We will continue our reconciliation policy with the party.”
Malik also apologised on behalf of Mirza and the party, saying that such “emotional statements” should not be issued. At least 11 people were killed and 28 people suffered serious gunshot wounds on Thursday in Karachi in the violence that engulfed the entire city in the aftermath of Mirza’s controversial statements.
Sindh Home Minister Manzoor Wasan met with senior police officials on Thursday to discuss the law and order situation in the province.
Wasan was appointed earlier this month to the home minister position.
Addressing a press conference after his meeting, Wasan said that the police had arrested 161 suspects who were allegedly involved in Thursday’s violence. “I want only one month to bring peace to the city,” he added.
Wasan also called upon MQM leaders to also apologise for some of the remarks made by MQM activists against President Zardari.
Early on Thursday morning, several MQM activists were shown on several news channels chanting slogans that referred to the president as a dog.
There were protests both in support and against Mirza’s remarks throughout Sindh. The MQM held protests in several parts of the province, including Sukkur and Ghotki. MQM activists had protested late on Wednesday night and early Thursday morning in Karachi and Hyderabad as well.
ANP distances itself
The Awami National Party (ANP), meanwhile, also sought to distance itself from Mirza’s remarks, which were made at a dinner hosted by ANP Sindh leader Shahi Syed at his house in Karachi.
The dinner had been organised to celebrate the return of the commissionerate system in Sindh, which the MQM has vehemently opposed.
“The fact that Mirza made the comments at our party does not reflect Pakhtun sentiments or those of the ANP, but his personal views,” said Qadir Khan, the party’s spokesperson.
(With additional reporting by Sarfaraz Memon in Sukkur and Salman Siddiqui in Karachi)
Published in The Express Tribune, July 15th, 2011.
The Express Tribune has obtained a copy of Zulfiqar Mirza’s apology letter. Click here to read it.
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COMMENTS (119)
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The Hatred starts when urdu speaking people was thought to be PANAHGEER and no right to be in govt jobs and other key posts in the begining years of Pakistan when urdu speaking people worked day and night and more than their strength to establish new country, traders from migrated urdu speaking founded the industry of pakistan, donated alot, ursu speaking did what ever thier best to establish the country. Soon they were thought redundant in the admintration. In response hatred started from there. why urdu speakers supported Fatima jinnah? coz they knew the rest of the pakistan people plans....in response ayyub khan killed mahajirs. Hatred srated in minds that Mahagirs are not son of soil ....from that point to the MQM fondation alot of incidences that revolutionzed the mahajirs minds to think they are not from this land. MQM pointed out the key features of injustice with mahajirs in ebvery part ofn life. MQM then became the target of mahajir dushman... All pakistani people in every form either journalist media man milk man trader land masters military police judiciary admin beaureucracy govt nations all HAVE HATRED in the deep of thier hearts against MAHAJIR. They think PANAHGEEr GHUSS BETHYE INFILTRATOR etc. (end of part 1)
@Pakistani: Yes he did not kill anyone. Generals do not kill anyone. It is the job of the foot soldiers like you, or shall I say a Jiyala?
It is obvious that Zulfiqar Mirza has marshalled all PPP workers to defend him on this forum, and if the moderators reject, then at least click "like" button. Look at the post that are like most. They are bereft of intelligence and English. Surely readers of express news are not illiterate, they have to be jiyalaz.
When Altaf Hussain founder of MQM say fuedal system is roots of the problem then why he made a party based on ethinic line why he did not try to make a pakistan based party like Z.A Bhutto shaheed made PPP or Imran Khan made a T.I.P they never talk narrow mindnes way they allways do nation based politics and bhutto shaheed after fourty years of his death still lived in the hearts of millions could u mr altaf hussain think about it if u r so worry about us then come out of narrow hole of ethiniacity and lead us the whole county of pakistan i will really appriaciat.
Well done PPP..... Your new senior vazeer turned out to be a "see near" vazeer! He doesnt have any vision for the people, and just can't see beyond his nose.
A very positive attitude by President Zardari being President first time is noticed. Really appreciable and wish him to continue keeping a check on his hardliner in the best interest o democracy and country.
@ Syed only urdu speaking migrated what about majority of punjabis who got killed by sikhs and hindus mobs they never cry like karachi peoples does all ways and making pakistan got us the native peoples of land in big mess man u.p amd bangal had only problem with hindus no body else and stop killing those innocent peoples in karachi please they nothing to do with your forefather migration.
Sindhi people have respect for their Urdu speaking Sindhi brothers and that's why our ancestors were happy to welcome them with open arms.But our Urdu speaking brothers should also think that they came to Sindh 60 years back and Pushtoons came 30 years back to Sindh and today MQM feels fear from Sindhis and Pushtoons and they are NOT ready to allow the space to any other ethnic group and they want dominance over Karachi.When you came here sixty years back,and dont allow other communities proper space then do you feel how big were the hearts of Sindhis (the indigenous people) who accepted u and allowed you settled in Sindh??So kindly show some maturity and forget this dream of dominance over Karachi.Because Karachi is for all of us and let's live with peace not with means of violence and chaos as exercised by MQM.
One can criticize any statement of political leader and I feel if MQM does not like what ZM said then they have complete right to launch their protest through democratic means but not pursuing the politics of violence and chaos in Karachi.MQM always finds resort in ethnic card and violent means to dictate their views.That is never a healthy approach by any democratic middle class party.
@Ejaz Akazai: @asma riaz@london: There seems to be some misconceptions on 'freedom of speech' here. In any decent democracy (like UK) if such a statement or foul use of words was made by a public official (or anybody for that matter) he or she would be sacked immediately, banned from the party, marched to jail and boycotted socially forever. An apology would not suffice.
Inciting violence for the fourth time is an unforgivable crime. Mirza is responsible for causing all the deaths and the destruction of property besides the loss of millions of rupees due to closure of business activities in Karachi. His property should be confiscated to compensate those who suffered loss of life
@Tahseen
I would like to correct a misconception here. Punjabis from Indian side were not welcomed initially in Pakistan Punjab. My ancestors halied form Indian Punjab. My grandmother told me that when they came here, people remarked "Lo mahajir aa gaye haim, ab yeh gand dalin gey". They hated us initially. Punjab developed tolerance with time. Now Punjab is more tolerant than any other province whether you will believe it or not.
ok statement given by mirza but why these nonsence terrorists are killing innocent peoples , be neutral and think who z terrorist either mirza or those mercenary terrorists who are killing innocent peoples. damn on them who are creating trouble in karachi.
we all are from karachi , why we burn our own home, why we kill our own innocent peoples, why we select dacoits and looters as our leeders, see how india z going on it z our contemporary, see china it z our younger , see americans who are having no constitution like us as we have in shape of Quran, why these all are advanced , why real democracy runs there why not here because we all have no toleration no brotherhood with each other , we are only Muslims why we are thirsty of own blood , who will guide us no one i think but our Allah made constitution z with us why we have become deef and dumb to understand this golden constitution. let us come to be brothers as we have been called in Quran as all muslims are brother with each others.
mirza, what is fun of a number of apologies you have made now and earlier. Who will account for BLOOD n LIFE OF persons killed in chain reaction caused due to your statements. In my opinion all major political players operating in Karachi are responsible of miserable/most unfortunate happenings
Ladies and Gentlemen there is more here to ponder upon than the 'Statement' and the 'Reaction' that we see on the surface. Consider,
A. X makes a statement and supporters of Y let loose murder and mayhem. Why can't you remain satisfied with making a statement refuting X or taking X to a court of law if he has said something illegal.
B. Community A takes out a religious procession, misguided members of B think it is their religious duty to bomb the same.
C. Followers of a particular faith are at prayer at their places of prayer, they get bombed and gunned down for praying differently.
D. Some photocopies are found with some cell numbers and an entire township of a minority community is victimised.
E. Some cartoons are published in a distant land , in a language that not more than 10 people understand in Pakistan. Yet, public property goes up in flames.
Unless we learn to live with and tolerate the others and their views, we will continue to find reasons to kill each other.
Ponder over it.
@Maulana Diesel: Because all the buses operating in karachi belongs to pakhtuns.
@Mischelle: You have made a good point and a correct statement. However, the crux of my argument that you did not respond to is that India was the country of all its' inhabitants which included Sindhis, Mohajirs, and others. Mohajirs moved within their own country to Sindh in order to form Pakistan, and in return Sindhi Hindus moved to India, so it is not that Mohajirs are living outside of their own country. Sindhi Hindus do not have any such issues in Bombay and Maharashtra, so what is your problemd????? Sindhi Hindus did not want to move and they had to move against their will and, as you stated, Sindh Assembly was the first legislative body to reaffirm demand for Pakistan. So the movements of Mohajir within their own country to Sindh was in accordance of the wishes of the Sindh Assembly.
17 poor Pashtuns and Sindhi dead for Blasphemy against Altaf Bhai. Be careful when talking about MQM.
@pakhtoon Plz can u people become just PAKISTANI. . . its the only solution to all our problems
MQM should order that Mirza resigns from his post as Home minister .He doesn't deserve being a minister he deserves being shot .
I've never understood how anyone in the world can see such apologies as an appropriate response to even the smallest conflicts. They say what they mean, get a bad reaction and are told to apologize for damage control. There's nothing sincere in a forced apology. Yet, somehow, humans continue to believe merely speaking the words changes something. Well, it does change something I suppose. It changes the worth of the verbal dialogue into a lazy and convenient lie to use when enough self-righteous do-no-wrongs gather and complain. Only to satisfy their ego by viewing it not as an apology but by viewing it as another way of being able to say "I told you so! We were right!" rather than truly come to any form of understanding.
What he said the first time is what he meant. He's not sorry. The people had no justification for reacting the way they did and no matter what anyone says, they were the ones in the wrong. He didn't provoke it. People just want someone concrete to blame for an excuse to not look at themselves and realize how far they're sinking caused by their own actions. It's just too bad that if anyone of high rank were to point that out, more people would just end up getting killed.
How can people continue to be so surprised at governmental corruption and lies? Whenever people get told the truth they go insane. The only options you give them are "we can lie and be untrusted" and "we can tell the truth and then have a murder marathon." It's not a stretch to say you have to be lied to, to save you from yourselves.
So the MQM got very angry with Mirza but how come all the buses burnt belonged to Pukhtuns.
Mirza's Statement caused 14 deaths or MQM's violence and terrorism caused them? Where is the concept of freedom of speech now? MQM is trying to take away freedom of speech by terrorizing the citizens of Karachi, burning cars and killing innocent people making Zulfiqar Mirza's statement an excuse! How pathetic!
Whatever! At the end of the day we all saw that it was altaf hussain's party people who killed 12 citizens.It is so sad that we all are so helpless that whilst we know who burnt karachi yesterday, still cannot do anything!!! The saddest part is that their leader, a British citizen, took a day and a half to appeal to his followers to stop the carnage and the killing. Does this not smell of something malicious????
Retaliation from the mob to Mr Mirza's comments was completely unnecessary and should be loudly and publicly condoned. However, what Mr Mirza said, abusing a position of power and outreach, is a complete outrage if looked at independently from the response to his statement. Therefore, his apology is not accepted and we want more than that. He should leave Karachi immediately and resign from any links to the government.
I believe that this is my country i am allowed where ever i like to move whether its balochistan, punjab,nwfp or sindh I am a pakistani allamdoliiah - i never thought i being a mohajir,sindhi,punjabi,balochi,phastun. Pakistan Zindabad.
How he can call "Founders of Pakistan" "bhoooka nangaa"? who have been generating 70% revenue of the country on which they are enjoying the privileges. We didn't come bhooka nanga, we left lands, graves of our ancestors and a lot more for Pakistan, we sacrificed two lac our people just for Pakistan. And in his apology he said that was his personal opinion not his party policy, it means he still stick with his statement.... And a person who have this kind of mentality can never serve Pakistan, can't be sincere with the nation and country, He is the person who claimed so proudly that he has planned to break Pakistan. So how PPP still have him as their Senior Minister and Vice chairman of PPP Sindh ?????? If PPP is sincere and loyal with Pakistan they should expel zulfiqar mirza out from PPP as he is the biggest question mark on sincerity and loyality of PPP towards our beloved country.
Zulfiqar Mirza's statment might be irresponsible but no one has the right to kill any one because some 3rd person said something offensive. The killers are solely responsible for their own action.
I request the Indian government to give amnesty[for their ancestor's role in making Pakistan} to all people who migrated to Pakistan . I am sure most people will be happy to go back to India now.
2 cars was burnt outside my appartment and it was 1 am last night when they started firing which ended up on 3 am. Half of my family members were not home and we directed them to stay at some other relatives house. this was the story of Gulshan e Iqbal one of the densly populated area of Karachi. what sort of leadership or muhajir rights political party is this precense of them in the area make life of there so called mohajir brothers miserable or deadly horrible.
shame on u MQM this was not the way to record ur protest. even I am from a urdu speaking family and was deeply hurt by his statement. I boldly backed the presence of this party for the rights of mohajirs but I was wrong I think soo
We vote for MQM because they protect us from Zulfiqar Mirza type lunatics. We dont have any other option.
Mr. Zulfiqar Mirza Do you want divide Pakistan? if not please resigned to politics for always. Spark a civil war and apologize !Very nice Mr Mirza
Zulfiqar Mirza was invited on a dinner, he enjoyed the food and at the end just for the FUN he gave a furious speech just like people play or amuse each other after the dinner. In return MQM killed 15 innocents and burnt half of the city, just in few hours, and then they were friends again. There are news that they broke back door deal somewhat as media says. What an uncultured society and how illiterate and wild people of Pakistan !!!
Yar why is everybody making this an issue of Sindhi and Mohajir..... This is a conflict between two parties with both having a common motive to fill the pockets thats all lets be United in this agony and not astray from the purpose.
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.
Why hasn't this man been stripped of his ministerial powers? Thanks for the theatrics Mirza, you can go back to the circus now.
@torch: "In democracy you have every right to express your opinion". Maybe in the democracy of Pakistan. In the democracies of the rest of the world, if you pass racist remarks in front of national media, you will find yourself in jail. Come to the USA and try calling an African-American as n* and you will find yourself in hospital before the police arrests you.
If I invite someone at my house, and he passes racist remarks, I will ask him to shut up. If he says so in front of my other guests, I will ask him to leave. If he says so in front of national media, I will kick him out. Mr. Shahi did no such thing, but patted his back as a sign of support for him.
its not zulfiqar mirza but the terrorist in Jeans out there killing Pakistani in Karachi. Terrorist is a terrorist whether in a white cap in FATA or those dressed up in jeans in Karachi, both came from the outside, one from the middle east and another from the eastern side.
Funny to see MQM trolls defending their party's murdering antics. So whats the big deal if someone said against altaf? Is he god for you? do you have some sort of blasphemy law in place? Grow up people fight for your rights but don't kill innocents. Can't you guys see its just a ploy by PPP to make MQM people angry and cause havoc. MQM Can't match PPP political guile.
@Think
your calling urdu speaking people uncivilized right? why dont u go infronf of zulfiqar mirza...or any of these big land lords...stand infront of their guards....and cal them the same stuff! see wht happens to ou my friend :) HOW DARE this man call urdu speaking people 'bhukay nangay' he is forgetting liaquat ali khan also left his entire wealth in india to come and live in pakistan! this man should be whipped!
Both the mqm and ppp have lost my vote in karachi.
The diatribe of Zulfikar Mirza has made it abundantly clear that the Urdu speaking people are not regarded as true Pakistanis. We reject such sham and bogus apology. The divide which Mirza has created will never be bridged.
The Urdu-speaking people cannot be duped by saying that these were personal effusions of the minister. I am fully confident that Mirza enjoyed the support of Zardari when he spewed venom against the Urdu speaking people.
Now what’s the benefit Zulfiqar Mirza Apologized???????? After 14 persons died he said I apologized . Because of his Stupidity and slanderous statement, these persons killed in reaction of his statement. Can he fulfill the spaces of these people’s houses? If any person killed zulfiqar mirza’s son and then he said I apologized, Please forgive me….So what Zulfiqar do with this person he accept his apologize ?????? I am sure he can’t So why we accept his apologize….. After his Slanderous statement he deserved HANG TILL DEATH……… He belong to PPP and its full form is PURE PANDOO PERSONS….lol
It is correct that Zulfaqar Mirza should not issue such a statement which create hate in the brotherhood of Pakistanis but is it correct to crush Pakistanis on the basis of a statement of a person.I think its enough.Now the leaders of Pakistan and the institutions of Pakistan should take quick and severe action against those who destructed the peace of Karachi.
Will Mr. Mirza apologize to the people who lost their loved ones & compensate those who suffered monetary losses? Will the "patriotic" MQM leadership also do the same?
Come on champions of democracy, show us that you really care & share the pain of your people. Or is that too much to ask for?
i hope now they will happy after Mirza apologize who is responsible for killing and burning of karachi city where we blame to Mirza or to MQM at the end what we got killing of innocent people of karachi and a heavy loss of karachi
@Pakistani: If I killed those while sitting in Punjab somewhere then you are equally responsible for the killings wherever and whoever you are
Mirza statement is a bitter truth mqm tolerence level is zero thats why we all knows about mqm
I think, everyone has the right to give opinion. But abusing a particularly large group of population (urdu speaking karachiites), specially after the 4 day brutal assault at the hands of illegally residing afghanis/pushtoons at kati pahari, was not right. Neither the remarks, nor the timing.
My wife asked me this: "If these heavily armed afghanis / pushtoons surround our area, start assaulting our homes, what are our options?"
I am still looking for an answer !
Apologized for telling the Truth?
Why do mqm supporters turn to violence and killing why are they so immature and sensitive
Astonished to see that Fahmida Mirza is still surviving. She should be declared wife of the year.
I wish Zulfiqar Mirza had not been carried away the other night and the nights before ( I doubt he was under the influence of any substance )
If he considers us his brothers and sisters , we would rerspond with the same jesture . But he need to prove it by his deeds .
In our culture brothers share thier sorrows and happiness amongst themselves (atleast that is the part of our upbringing ) , So Mirza Saab instead of trying to make rifts try to win the hearts .Trust me that is the only thing that pays-off in the long run .
Just try once . But for God's sake kindly donot consider our heiritical SHARAFAT as our weakness .
We need to share the resouces being Paksitanis , with all our brothers , but trying to subdue us by any means of ill-conceived-force will be responded with equal repurcussion .
Peace to all . Live and let live .
Where is Asif Ali Zardari, Gilani, Nawaz, and other so called leaders of Pakistan. I do not see any condemn statement from any of them? The truth is they are quite happy about the situation of Karachi. Do not forget the Pakistani identity was given by these (Nangay and Bhookay) people. I hope PPP remove Z Mirza immediately and change their policy of might is right.....
For God sake...We all are Pakistanis!!
@Iftikhar-ur-Rehman: I see ! so you think it was him who torched buses in Johar and killed innocent people. What world are you living in?
Thank you Mr.Zulfiqar Mirza for instigating another Black Day in our country's history during turbulent and troublesome times. At a time when our country needs sane, mature and responsible leaders who promote national pride and integrity, you have given us hope. Hope that the average Pakistani will realize that we have once again chosen the wrong people to lead the country. My comments are not limited to any personal directly or a specific political party. The fact remains, leadership approach has a trickle down effect, from top to bottom. Who will be responsible for the lives lost before the night was over?
Just form your caliphate and all this violence between Muslim brothers will simply vanish - lol.
One guy's statement should plunge the entire city into a graveyard....Zulfiqar mirza is not Jinnah so why should everyone take his statements so seriously? Two wrongs don't make a right...the reaction of MQM is disproportionate and uncalled for. There are civil ways of protesting than pulling the plug on the entire city. If only we all were a bit more tolerant a bit more democratic...
Ok just because Mirza said that the MQM leader is a thug does not mean that he is...but what has happened after his statement has proved that MQM leader and members are criminals and thugs. You can not go around killing people because someone said something about your leader. You can not expect respect and non violence when you do not display it.
The MQM should be brought to justice for what has happened today in Karachi. The supreme court should ban it as a political party for violence.
Till the courts take a strict action against such parties..we will never have peace.
Zulfiqar Mirza is bent on destroying his own political future - Looks like his green card is confirmed.
Why the educated people of Karachi are so short tempered?. They should learn from people of Mumbai, who have behaved so nicely after terrorist attacks. Once crazy nut says something stupid and all of a sudden hundreds of people are killed, businesses are destroyed and cars are burnt. I am sorry to say that I see no difference between educated people of Karachi and illeterate Taliban.
Ultimately killing of 14 innocent people in violent protests proves his statement true...anyhow I still agree one being on a responsible post should refrain from giving such remarks...all these ruling parties r just bunch of irresponsible hypocrites!!
Who to blame more, somebody who spews hate OR somebody who spills blood? Whoever is the greater evil is the bigger enemy of a Pakistani (regardless of the language he speaks!)
I want this man who calls himslef Minister Zulfiqar Mirza to leave Pakistan and become a Mohajir in some other country just to get a feeling on how other ppl feel about his silly childish and cheap comments. How the hell did he become a Minister? who apointed him? what is is back ground . He does not seem fit to represent me or my country. Shame shame shame. Larki desi
Zulfiqar Mirza created a finta with his statement in Karachi. he didnt even sign the apologetic statement. Besides he gave the statement on tv why not make an apology on tv??
@ Salman: I m afraid it's u who needs to correct his historical facts. Before partition, Sindhi Hindus certainly were affluent class but political power was in the hands of Muslims. Provincial legislature had majority of Muslims, infact it was Sindh assembly which first passed the resolution regarding accession to Pakistan which would not have been possible if Hindus wielded the political power.
@Tahseen: the 50% that you SAY is for NOW i am talking about right after independence. My point is not to get it all this mess more than we already are, we just need to stop being so rational about Sindhi, Punjabi and all and think of us as the image that Mr. Jinnah had in his mind. Otherwise we sure as hell are not going to go anywhere, keep on fighting until someone washes us away, for which i see the chances to be more likely
They should quit so that others gets an easy way to ruin the country through corruption and mismangement.
@Qasim: I really appreciate your stance on Sindh. I am an Urdu speaker, but I really like to be identified as a Sindhi. In fact, Sindh has given us identity while at the same time allowed us to retain our identity. In addition, Sindh has given us shelter, respect, and offered us opportunities to establish in a new land. We are extremely grateful to Sindh's soil and Sindhis for their love and hospitality. However, under current circumstances which is a result of a few irresponsible and prejudiced political statements, it is the the need of time to show solidarity and unity with all permanent residents. Long Live Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai's Sindh.
@Tahseen: Thankyou Tahseen, at-least someone is making sense!
I do agree with you, this is the bed time of Pakistan in my life, even let me know if you see any list victims of last week turmoil in Karachi. off course no because we don’t want to know, we more interested in bollywood news rather than our nation.
Mirza is the stupid person, which i ever knows. you see more than people have been killed due to what. and it good for us even we deserve for more because. a life of one person is nothing for us. Nobody cares about Pakistan and the interest of common person, they just maintain their shops of politics. It will not changed until we the people of Pakistan will not change, this would happened frequently.
Now Mirza can excuse but, what he will do for those who lost their lives, income just think about a person who is on daily wages.
who will be the responsible for this drama.,
This is the worst ruling party in my experience.
Just God can save us.
very good all Pakistanis, pashtoons, muhajrs, punajbis and Baloch, At one hand we talk about democracy and rights, but we are not ready to accept the freedom of speech and don't accept the rights of others. We so far seems more interested to snatch the rights of others and expect other will deliver our rights to us. It is shame, big shame that 25 citizens killed on a statement, instead of defending it through verbal statements against the statement. This rather proved that whatever ZM said was very true as the followers of Altaf Hussain can kill people like bees, for a mere statement. I can;t understand, if this was the reaction over a statement or the people took the opportunity to kill people.
What a hoax! Just wait for few days, he would say he never apologised as the letter was not given by him nor has his signatures. If he wants to apologize he should do it in front of camera and journalists
@Think:
Dear more than 50% of Punjab's population is muhajir.
But it is because of people like you that there are differences amongst people of Sindh. Urdu speaking were once considered as the most innocent and kind hearted people. There were circumstances that lead to change of attitude and perception. Especially 1964 rigged elections.
@ Qasim: Muhajirs moved within their own country, India, from one area to another to form Pakistan. In return, more Sindhi Hindus and others moved to India. It was a repatriation of populations in order to form Pakistan. We are not grateful to anybody to give us space, for God's sake, it was our own country. The Sindhi Hindus who left were the landowners, industrialists, and the real masters of Sindh province and most Muslims were their subjects. Please read the history of Pakistan. You mean well and your sentiments are very magnanimous and accomoddating of our Sindhi brothers, as they should be. However, they are factually wrong and should be corrected. Many of our problems are the repurcussions of the fault lines that Partition created.
@Sohaib Irshad:
What do think is good in all this?
Both native Sindhis and Muhajirs should be grateful of each other. Sindh provided home to muhajirs. And Muhajirs convereted Pakistan's second largest city into the largest and most developed city.
Same thing happened in the Punjab. But in Punjab, the linguistic and cultural differences were not very significant. People from East-Punjab, UP, Dehli settled in Punjab like a home. If wonder if anyone know that more than 50% of Punjab's population is from East Punjab and other states.
Why not issue a gag order for the likes of Zulfiqar Mirza? Or is this more strategic PPP arm twisting?
No offense to anyone here, but what Mr Mirza said is actually true. I am not against Urdu SPEAKING but hello we all know MQM pretty well! After the time of independence non of the provinces had allowed the muhajirs' to come in there state. It was just Sindh that actually welcomed them in. But acting like typical "PAKISTANIS" they have to take everything for granted. Even now people are acting like maniacs. Replying to someone's word by killing innocent people is just WRONG and UNCIVILIZED! Start acting like a nation and being thankful for a change instead of proving that we are good for nothing! In the end I just have one thing to say "Mr. Jinnah I am sorry we disappointed you"
As expected! But dz appology cnt revert da chaos nd deceased who r killed fr being innocent nd powerless
OMG, my grandparents were from pakistan and had to come to india, but we never heard these kind of difference here. rather, no knows that who came from where. thats insane, shame on pakistani leaders who divide community on regional background.
Is it the leadership which does not speaks a word to its people to stay calm where city is already under uncertain conditions, lost of lives is due to their protest against the statement. Silent protest could also be done untill the apology of Mr. Mirza instead of threatening and killing innocent poeple. Secondly, no one has right to force the anyone to leave the city. City is not the property of single organization/party.
@HaQ! Mirza!: He should be tried for treason!
48 hours ultimatum to Mirza and Syed will leads toward worst.
y is everybody blaming zulfiqar mirza for killing? if somebody gives a statement doesnt mean somebody will go around killing 14 people and blame that "oh, why did he say something to tour daddy". these people do hundreds of text messages abusing zardari like hell. these people never went around killing people. deal with it politically, what is the point of killing people and destroying public property. actually they have now find this opportunity to take their revenge against ppp, otherwise, why dint they do this same thing when pml-n literally said very bad words about the mqm quaid and his family. for God's sake, let us do our work, go to our jobs, earn living for our families.
@Tanzeel: Oh my God! Never thought this coming from you.
Is it necessary that MQM killed everyone? Zulfiqar Mirza statement also asked for people to come out.
Why is there a severe violence in Karachi after Mumbai is attacked????? happened in November 2008 too and again now this has happened........
Mirza is more of an agent provocateur, went abroad for dubious reasons recently. I don't know why national security apparatus is silent on his anti-federation provocations.
He, Did well! iam proud of him! And He waz not suppose to say Sorry it waz Absolutely correct Statement!
Peace!
@Iftikhar-ur-Rehman: Sorry he didn't kill anyone. You did.
What a pathetic existance! A city on fire! More then fifteen people dead! and now this! Amazing how the people of Karachi keep on keeping on!
Mr. Mirza, personally I do not believe any sane Muhajir Sindhi seeks or will seek Sind's participation. Majority of the the Urdu-speaking muhajir Sindis are not ungrateful lot and will always extremely thankful to the native (Ansar) Sindhis for their hospitality in welcoming the immigrants, the victims of partition (debatable). On the other hand, you need to appreciate the role the muhajirs have played in Sindh's progress and development. Since Pakistan came into existence, 2-3 new generation of muhajir sindhis have been born in Sindh and their parents are buried here in Sindh. I realize that you and many others may feel hurt with MQM's political summersaults but that does not make us traitors. We belong to Sindh and Sindh belongs to us. With your stature and standing, you can actually play a much bigger role of a peacemaker between all nationalities to advance Sindh’s cause, progress and development. But that can only happen when this daily violence (irrespective of who perpetrates it) and financial suicide stops. All stakeholders must join hands to live in harmony in a “live and let live” environment. Fact of the matter is that Muhajir Sindhis are not going anywhere; let us all accept these facts, the realities and make it work.
What a Pity!
Since the ppp leaders are claiming that mirza is directly responsible for the innocent ppl death .. I believe he should be arrested and tried in court for that
Spark a civil war and apologise !Very nice Mr Mirza.
Umaima,
and Mirza is not solely responsible for the lives lost. What do you have to say for those who engineered the bloodshed?
Who is responsible for all the Lost Lives? He must be Tried in a Court of Law and Punished for being so Reckless!
Shame to Mirza for playing with 14 life and then asking for an apology.
Guys! very good, His statment murdered 14 people or someone else? Everytime some one pass a statment against MQM they kill citizen of Karachi immeditely,good take revenge from your own people,very good. you are loyal and sincere with Karachi,amazing.
My dear Mohajirs its no use protesting this country belongs to only punjabis and sindhis others r all considered outsiders have you seen the videos of pashtoons being tortured by army. its like we are enemies of pakistan its a vert sad situation.
Why torture, why bloodshed, why firing, why harassment.. In democracy you have every right to express your opinion ... Though, he didnt use the correct lingo.. But are these consequences bears a democratic reply ?
We want something more than that. Quit this city.
YOUR APOLOGY wont bring back all those lives which are lost..... we (PAKISTANIS) dont accept it!
Very Good! Abuse someone and then call it a personal opinion. I bet MQM will issue a statement stating all the violence and protests as "PERSONAL". Keep up the Good work Pakistanis.Proud to be one.
Apologize at the cost of 14 innocent lives.... ?
His earlier statement was a personal opinion and this apology isnt?
Who is his master?
I don't if I should laugh or cry - such is the state of our so-called leaders!