PML-F acuses MQM-P of extortion

KARACHI:

Pakistan Muslim League Functional (PML-F) Sindh General Secretary Sardar Abdul Rahim accused Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P) activists of attacking PML-F workers when they stopped them from extracting extortion money from shopkeepers at Meena Bazaar.

MQM-P should not consider PML-F's silence as weakness, Sardar Rahim said addressing a press conference at Karachi Press Club on Wednesday. PML-F's leaders Waqar Hussain Jatt, Naeem Sajjad, Zakir Patni and others were present on this occasion.

Rahim said that on nights of April 18 and 19, this problem came to light that MQM-P's workers used to extort money from shopkeepers in Meena Bazaar, Karimabad . When shopkeepers complained, some of PML-F's workers tried to settle matter and sided with shopkeepers, on which MQM workers got fired up. Dozens of them attacked and assaulted their rivals and injured one of them. It is ironic how police are supporting them. He further said that local officials of MQM, including Saqib Ghani, are involved in this action.

A JIT had already been formed against Saqib Ghani in past as he has been involved in target killing and extortion. Purpose of press conference is to reveal PML-F's fear that these people may worsen situation in future. Functional League is informing relevant high authorities through press conference that they withdrew its candidates in favor of MQM's in election and reward is being given. Rahim said that PML-F will continue to stand with people and highlight their problems. He said that public knows who terrorist is.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 25^th, 2024.