“We are not enemies with any ethnicity in this city. This city is for every ethnicity and we want to see this city the way it used to be before,” said Syed, adding, “we all want the de-weaponization of Karachi.”
He was referring to the de-weaponization agenda that has been pushed since the release of Mohajir Qaumi Movement – Haqiqi’s leader Afaq Ahmed with the consent of other small parties in the city.
“We condemn the fact that Afaq Ahmed is made to live like a prisoner in his own home where even if someone brings ten rotis to his house, they are questioned on their way,” said Syed after explaining to the media that Afaq Ahmed couldn’t make it to his residence as scheduled.
Shahi Syed said that all parties have the right to participate in political activities in the city recalling that his party opposed the 1992 operation.
Referring to the rumors of an alliance between ANP and parties including Friends of Lyari, Sindh Dost Ittehad, MQM-H, Mazdoor Kisan Party and the Jamaat-e-Islaami, Syed said, “if there is a need in Karachi, there is a need for an alliance like this,” dodging whether his party specifically would formally ally with the guests present.
Speaking to the media, Sindh Dost Ittehad Chairman Zafar Jhandir made a veiled reference to the MQM saying, “before Zulfiqar Mirza nobody even dared to ask the questions they ask today, even the media. Now all those who are willing to speak up can speak up together.”
Friends of Lyari convener Habib Jan Baloch told the media that Shahi Syed has been invited to London by Lord Nazir. Responding to a question that smaller parties have no real representation in the government, he said “these small parties here do have representation; we have representation amongst the people.”
Party representatives all repeated that Karachi is a city for people of every ethnicity and those trying to spread hatred and conflict between ethnicities are the enemies of Karachi.
“The situation in Karachi may not seem better in everyone’s eyes but it has definitely improved since before and now any issues presented to me by the media or others, I will take them straight to the Senate,” said Syed.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 8th, 2012.
COMMENTS (1)
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ
1713853507-0/MalalaHilary-(2)1713853507-0-270x192.webp)
Yes it is a city of all ethincity, but it is odd that many of these people who talk about ethnicity don't treat this city of their own. Just check Shahi Syed, he himself have tried to create ethnic strife b/w communities, just check his speaches on youtube or even ask any educated pathan who lives in ANP domnated area.