Case registered against ex-MPA for 'inciting violence'

Dumpers association president's gunman held for Ramswami firing; raids underway for Liaqat Mehsud

KARACHI:

Police on Wednesday registered a case against former MQM-Pakistan MPA Kamran Farooqui under Section 506-B of the Pakistan Penal Code and the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016 for allegedly issuing threats and inciting violence via social media.

The FIR was lodged on the complaint of police officer Muhammad Shah Rukh, who stated that while on duty with Sub-Inspector Zafar Iqbal, he came across a video on the Facebook page "Zarai News" in which Farooqui allegedly made threatening remarks. The video reportedly referenced an incident involving Liaqat Mehsud, President of the Dumpers Association, stating, "it was his good luck that he left a few moments earlier, otherwise he would have burned along with his vehicle — this is public reaction."

The complaint links the video to a fatal road accident that occurred on November 4, when a dumper truck ran over biker Shahzaib and injured wife on Nishtar Road in the Ramswami area. Enraged public set the dumper ablaze. Later, Mehsud and his armed associates reportedly arrived at the scene. According to the FIR, Farooqui's remarks were seen as a direct threat to Mehsud and an attempt to provoke violence.

MQM-P's Haqparast members of the PA have condemned the registration of an FIR against former MPA Farooqui following the death of a young man in a heavy traffic accident in Garden. They termed the move an act of oppression and injustice by the government.

The lawmakers expressed solidarity and heartfelt condolences with the bereaved family, stating that Karachi's citizens are being crushed daily under heavy vehicles while the provincial government and administration remain indifferent to the menace of reckless drivers and the heavy traffic mafia.

They alleged that instead of taking action against those responsible for such fatal incidents, the Sindh government is targeting public representatives who raise their voices for justice and stand with the people.

Separately, District City Police on Wednesday arrested a gunman of Liaqat Mehsud in connection with a firing incident that spread panic in the area. The suspect, identified as Meraj, was found in possession of the weapon allegedly used in the shooting. Police said raids are ongoing to apprehend Mehsud and other suspects.

The firing incident followed the November 4 crash. As per another FIR filed by social worker Abdul Qadir, Mehsud and 20-25 armed men arrived at the scene in multiple vehicles and opened indiscriminate fire before fleeing toward Garden.

Driver gets bail

A judicial magistrate on Wednesday approved bail for dumper truck driver Niazullah in the case of a fatal accident in Garden, where a young man named Shahzaib was killed. The bail was set at Rs3 million.

During the hearing, police presented the accused before the court. However, due to non-submission of the bail amount, the court ordered that Niazullah be sent to jail until the surety is deposited. Defense counsel Nazirullah Mehsud Advocate stated that the bail amount would be submitted later today.