PPP behind Karachi violence, not MQM: Arbab Ghulam Rahim

PML-Likeminded chief proclaims MQM not involved in any killings, demands protection for public rallies.

LAHORE: Pakistan Peoples Party’s (PPP) Sindh government is solely responsible for the deaths of innocent people of Karachi, and not Mutahidda Qaumi Movement (MQM), proclaimed Pakistan Muslim League - Likeminded (PML-LM) President Dr Arbab Ghulam Rahim.

Rahim, while addressing a press conference in Lahore, said that it was the duty of the Sindh government to provide protection to rallies whether they demand a Mohajir province or call for the protection of Sindh.

He added that the tragic incident of armed assault on Awami Tehreek’s rally on Tuesday, was the failure of the Sindh government.

Rahim, while rubbishing claims that the MQM may be behind elements demanding a Mohajir province or is involved in the killings, said that the ‘criminals’ who are leading PPP are responsible for the killing of ‘innocent Sindhis’.

He further said that it was MQM’s stated policy that they were not in favour of Sindh’s division. He added that in Sindh, PML-LM will contest elections against PPP in the form of a grand alliance, and vowed to form the next government in the province.

PML-Likeminded Information Secretary Mian Asif announced that three more parties in the coming days will join PML-LM and PML-N’s alliance to strengthen it with ‘heavy-weight’ politicians. He said that the party has called a Central Executive Committee meeting on May 24 in Islamabad where seat adjustment and cooperation among opposition parties is due to be discussed.