PA session adjourned amid opposition's protest

MQM-P demands judicial inquiry into Gul Plaza tragedy; govt defends probe process

KARACHI:

The Sindh Assembly session was adjourned after brief proceedings on Tuesday due to strong protests by the opposition over the Gul Plaza tragedy. MQM-Pakistan MPAs gathered in front of the speaker's dais, chanting slogans, with the House echoing with slogans of "Qatil, qatil, CM qatil" (Murderer, murderer, CM murderer) and "Constitute a judicial commission."

The session began under the chairmanship of Deputy Speaker Naveed Anthony. Speaking on the occasion, Opposition Leader Ali Khurshidi said that even a day earlier they had demanded a judicial inquiry into the Gul Plaza incident.

He termed the government committee a "sham," questioning how officers working under the government could conduct a transparent inquiry. He added that he was ready to move a resolution on the issue and urged the government to support it.

He rejected the stance presented by the home minister, saying there was no trust in his statements. "Form an independent judicial commission and put an end to our politics if you want. We are not afraid. Do whatever pressure you want to apply," he said.

Responding to Khurshidi, Home Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar said the opposition had been repeating the same arguments for three days without hearing the government's position, urging them to listen before tabling a resolution.

He said the chief minister and opposition leader had already spoken on the Gul Plaza tragedy, adding that the cabinet had tasked the Karachi commissioner with conducting an inquiry and formed a committee under the chief minister. If needed, a judicial commission would also be set up.

Lanjar assured the House that those responsible would be punished and a complete investigation carried out, urging members to wait for the inquiry findings expected within a week instead of politicising the issue, as the demands raised were already being addressed.

Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said the home minister had given a good and comprehensive statement, addressing every point in detail. He said the provincial government had stood with Karachi's traders from day one, and the traders had also expressed confidence in the government. He added that a five-member committee had been formed to probe the Gul Plaza tragedy and that a judicial commission would also be established if the committee deemed it necessary. "The government will not act on anyone's dictation," he said.

During Sharjeel's speech, MQM lawmakers stood up in their seats and began protesting. Responding to the protest, Sharjeel said that no one had forgotten what they had done to the people of Karachi. "They (MQM) caused bloodbath in the city when they were in power. The government stands with the victims' families and traders of Gul Plaza. Political point-scoring and drama will not solve the issue," he said.

Meanwhile, opposition members again gathered in front of the speaker's dais and raised slogans against the PPP government. Due to the uproar, the deputy speaker announced a question hour break; however, no questions were asked by the opposition.