'May 12 mayhem not to be forgotten'
At least 54 people were killed on May 12, 2007, on one of the bloodiest days in Karachi’s history. PHOTO: FILE
Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hasan Lanjar on Sunday said that many political workers including of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) sacrificed their lives only for the sake of democracy on May 12, 2007.
He said that the workers, who laid down their lives for the sake of democracy on that day, would always be remembered. Lanjar said that a dictator fanned the flames of bigotry and bigotry turned Karachi red.
On the tragic day of May 12, 2007, riots erupted in the city as the then government of military dictator Pervez Musharrf stopped the deposed chief justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Chaudhry at the Karachi airport to prevent him from entering the city. At least 54 people were killed in various incidents of armed attacks on that day.
Home Minister Lanjar said that the PPP workers did not bow before the dictator for the survival and democracy. He said, "we have to take account of elements that exhibit negative character and action."
He said that the policy of reconciliation, intellectual harmony and politics of brotherhood was very important for the country.
The Minister said that If we did not learn from the sad incidents of the past then the difficult situations would follow us everywhere.
He said that they all had to work together for the development, prosperity and welfare of the people and the country.
PTI compares May 9 and May 12
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Sindh President, Haleem Adil Sheikh, recalled the tragic events of May 12, juxtaposing it with the remembrance of May 9.
He questioned whether anyone remembers May 12, when 56 people were martyred in Karachi due to violence and chaos.
He said this while addressing a press conference at Insaf House Karachi on Sunday, joined by the party's members including Karachi General Secretary Arslan Khalid, Rizwan Khanzada, Muhammad Ali Baloch, Jafar Al Hassan, Maulana Jameel Azhar Wathra, Fauzia Siddiqui, Kashif Nazami, Advocate Rashid Khan, Moazam Khan, Rana Azam, Asmatullah Khan Niazi, Daniyal Magsi, Najam Siddiqui, and other leaders.
Sheikh pointedly criticised those he alleges to have perpetuated the bloodshed in Karachi, asserting their presence in legislative bodies under contested mandates, while positioning the party as the genuine voice of Karachi.
Drawing attention to the PPP's commemoration of May 9th, Sheikh highlighted the absence of similar acknowledgment for December 27th, marking the assassination of Benazir Bhutto.
He lamented the ensuing turmoil and criticised political exploitation in the aftermath, particularly lambasting Asif Ali Zardari's rallying cry of 'Pakistan Khappay' as disingenuous.
Sheikh also condemned alleged interference in the judiciary, citing recent remarks by Justice Tariq Mahmood Jahangir, and cautioned against complacency in assessing the nation's stability.
Accusing the Sindh government of heavy-handed tactics against peaceful demonstrators and neglecting law enforcement in the face of criminal activity, Sheikh highlighted public grievances, including prolonged power outages and escalating utility costs.
Furthermore, Sheikh decried government spending priorities, particularly the allocation of funds for the prime minister's house amid widespread economic hardship, alleging rampant corruption in the wheat sector.
Adil defended Imran Khan's leadership and refuted claims of internal division within the party, affirming unity within the party.
JI says May 12 perpetrators still in power
Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Karachi interim Ameer Munim Zafar has demanded a judicial commission over the May 22 mayhem in order to bring the culprits to full justice.
The JI leader made the demand at a press conference held at Idara Noor-e-Haq, the JI Karachi headquarters, here on Sunday. The JI leader also highlighted the prevailing political scenario, load shedding and the mafia in the education system that facilitates use of unfair means during exams.
He was flanked by Saifuddin Advocate, Ibnal Hassan Hashmi, Imran Shahid, Zahid Askari and others.
Speaking on the occasion, he said that May 12 has been a black day in the history of Karachi. He recalled that on May 12, 2004, 12 innocent citizens were killed to hijack the by polls in three constituencies, whereas 54 Karachiites were massacred on May 12, 2007 to kill the resistance against then Dictator Pervez Musharraf.
He said that unfortunately, the killers and perpetrators of the tragedy have not been arrested as yet but they are enjoying perks and privileges under the form 47 regime.
He also vowed to continue chasing the form 47 regime till its logical end.
Talking about the prevailing issues, Zafar highlighted that the prime minister, a few days ago, announced an educational emergency.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 13th, 2024.