Pakistan

Crackdown continues as police arrest 28 MQM-London workers in Karachi

80 to 90 individuals on motorcycles and other vehicles blocked the road near the Korangi Crossing, according to FIR

Our Correspondent July 10, 2023

The rally, organised by the MQM-London faction loyal to the party's founder Altaf Hussain, led to the arrest of 28 activists by the police. PHOTO: PPI/FILE

KARACHI:

The crackdown against the banned Muttahida Qaumi Movement-London (MQM-L) workers intensified on Monday after they took part in a rally in Karachi's Korangi area on Sunday night.

The rally, organised by the MQM-London faction loyal to the party's founder Altaf Hussain, led to the arrest of 28 activists by the police.

The Zaman Town police station registered a case against MQM-L workers following the rally in the Korangi district, where they expressed their support for the party's founder. The case includes charges against 39 identified individuals and 50 unidentified people, including rioting.

Initially, the police detained four individuals named Muhammad Ali, Sajid, Javed, and Saleem. As the day progressed, the number of apprehended activists increased to 28.

According to the First Information Report (FIR) filed on behalf of the state, approximately 80 to 90 individuals on motorcycles and other vehicles blocked the road near the Korangi Crossing main bus stop. They chanted slogans in support of the MQM founder. When the police attempted to disperse the crowd, the situation turned violent, resulting in the arrest of four individuals.

The remaining participants dispersed in the form of a rally, continuing to shout slogans as they moved away. The police have stated that the rally was organised on behalf of the MQM founder.

The MQM-London faction emerged after a split within the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) in 2017, following Hussain's controversial remarks against Pakistan.

Since then, the MQM-London has been deemed an outlawed organisation, and its activities have been strictly prohibited. The Pakistani government has consistently maintained that the MQM-London has been involved in various criminal activities, including extortion, target killings, and acts of violence.