Imran held Altaf Hussain responsible for the attacks, while Altaf condemned the attack and demanded the government immediately arrest the culprits.
“I hold Altaf Hussain directly responsible for the murder as he had openly threatened PTI workers and leaders through public broadcasts.”
In tweets from his official account and per the statement released to the press. Imran further held the British Government responsible, claiming that the British government had been warned to act against Altaf Hussain following open threats to kill PTI workers. “Unfortunately the British Government did nothing to stop his calls to violence and killings."
Shortly after the incident, the MQM chief issued a statement of his own where he condemned the murder and demanded that the government immediately arrest the culprits and accord them the most severe punishment as per law.
Imran said Zara apa, as she was known to all within the party, was an old and senior Party leader who was a mentor to the PTI youth and a committed ideological leader of the Party.
"I am totally shocked and deeply saddened and still cannot believe anyone would kill such a gentle lady."
COMMENTS (91)
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Khan sahib should you not be applying the same principle, and be touting talks with Altaf Hussain, just like taliban? Taliban have actually killed thousands of innocent Pakistanis and yet IK has never condemned them like this. Why the double standards?
@Pakistani Ostrich: Get a life please. He does condemn the killings by Taliban on every front, He rightly blames US for it and the govt. because drone attacks are done with the permission of Govt. of pakistan. IK had always been vocal and straight forward in blaming anyone or everyone who did wrong. Altaf Hussain threatened the PTI supporters openly and besides that, their people had been threatening the voters not to vote. I hope our blind nation get eyes please..
It is quite immature of Imran Khan to accuse Altaf Hussain directly for the murder of Zuhra Shahid Hussain. Tensions between PTI and MQM can be harmful for Karachi peace.
Its called bravery, not immaturity. Alot of people cannot dare to say that MQM is behind it, but they know.
@Saad: MQM is a terrorist party
OLD MOVIE TELL US SOMETHING NEW.
Wonder why everyone blames MQM for murders in KHI
Why must every criminal act gets complicated in Pakistan?
The election is over and the campaign rhetoric should end as well.. The captain has left the ship in mid course because of the accident and his skull has been fractured with possible injuries to the soft tissues around his brain. The chances are that his recovery will take years not weeks! His supposed statement is iresponsible and should not be taken seriously. Miss Shahid came under attack by some unknown criminal(s) when she was apparantly being robbed. Let the police investigate the crime and present their findings to the prosecution. The rest of the debate is a diversion.
These are not the safe times for the people of Pakistan. The capital of the country has been infiltrated by the foreign enemy and the fifth columnists. The task for the next Government is enormous. The good news is that Nawaz Sharif the seasoned politician is taking over who has to restart whee he left off a decade ago. He is a competent industrialist and has the vision. He must first of all reinstate sovereignty of the country which Musharaf so lightly mortgaged it. Good luck for the resilient people of Pakistan who have suffered so long but did not give up hope, endured incompetent leadership but do not despair, experiencd violence and loss of dignity but kept to their faith and loyal to the country which came to life in the 20th century after a long duration of foreign occupation. ..
Rex Minor
@Abid P. Khan: do u really need any proof against AH
I can understand Imran Khan's grief...but he should not have directly accused Mr. Altaf...he could have declared his suspicion...but someone can't control himself...when someone dear to him/his associate is killed...at the time...when his rival publicly declared to hunt down his supporters...
MQM must understand that Karachiites are fed up with living under fear of MQM. It has been part of government since 2002 and the city's law and order and crime situation has gone from bad to worse. What has MQM given to Karachi except misery!!!! I dont want to even mention name of it's leader!!!
@MJ: It is a news tome on the other side of the border that Imran is supported by Taliban! How can a person of his stature get supported by militants? Am I being bit too naive here?
@kaalchakra: and @ Tribune readers: I was born twenty years after the partition, so I do not know it physically. Yet, the neutral history as I read it, gives me a little wisdom: Other than Gandhi and the Frontier Gandhi (Khan Adbul Gaffar Khan, a Muslim who willingly surrendered to be Gandhi's envoy in times of turmoil and was acceptable to Mr. Jinnah as well), everyone were into a power struggle in 47. On Indian side it was Nehru and on the Pakistan side you know who it was. Both wanted to rule the Independent India. Two people cannot rule a nation at the same time, so partition was considered best. For the British, it suited them; after all they wanted to divide and rule so that they could come back once they repaired the economic devastation of the WWII. Given his close proximity to the Mountbatten family, Nehru had a better deal of it and Pakistan got a raw deal, despite that Mr. Jinnah was as equally English educated as Gandhi or Nehru was. Gandhi could not make either to agree. India was partitioned; with West and East Pakistan and India. East Pakistan was a territory separated by a 1000 KM of Indian territory from West Pakistan. Durrand Lane was not even considered although the British knew the arrangement will end after 100 years, and to be precise in 1993. The Chinese border never came into equation. The Tibetan border never came into equation. After all both leaders were in a hurry to rule a nation and had no eye for details. Brits offered an asylum to both countries people. Good or bad, VK Krishna Menon rejected the offer but Mr. Liaqat Ali Khan accepted it. End of day, on the dawn of 14/15 August 1947, two nations were born; with contradicting terms. As I said in the beginning I was born 20 years after partition and I am sure many of the readers were also born after that. Two generations after, why cannot India and Pakistan forget 47 and talk to each other as the true brothers and sisters we were before 47? Why cannot we bury the hatchet and move on? Regards and a lot of love. Murali Nair, Bangalore, India.
At the people who think that MQM is not the core problem in Karachi. Are deluding themselves. Its only on the internet that Karachites can openly attack MQM. Has everyone forgotten Wali Khan Babar already?
Altaf Hussain made public speeches inciting violence against PTI. Imran Khan has done the right thing. For how long will you let him terrorize the city?
You have got to be kidding me, if you think that Mr.Altaf Hussain and MQM will work for peace in Karachi. They are concerned with their grip over the city first, peace second.
The comment section shows me why Pakistan is where it is. People in Pakistan just love to judge. They love to criticize, and will always put down anyone who thinks outside the box, and will always be the first in line to tell an idealist that he needs to be realistic.
Please go on and criticize the one man whose ever truly cared for the country. If you wish to criticize him, do so after you've posted the bright idea you have on how to make Pakistan prosper. And then witness your idea getting pummeled to the ground simply because you dared to dream and hope.
Dear friends, I always thought MQM is a truly secularist, democratic and republican party. I am now getting enlightened it is not so much of it. It looks MQM is an equal party to Pakistan's problems!
It's sad to see Muslim brothers and sisters unnecessarily suspecting each other. The culprit is Britain - an old hand. As India's Great Nobel-winning historian Amartya Sen has proven, Britain was also responsibile for creating differences between Hindus and Muslims earlier, when the two lived without any distinctions and conflicts.
People Please altaf hussain has made it loud and clear. Those who says IK statement was irresponsible, it is time to face the reality.
@Umer she was Muhajir too dont forget... thats what MQM been doing since its birth,..
OK, let us leave this case here. Just relax a bit, look back at the 2013 May elections in Pakistan. If you looked at it without bias, two names will have to be etched in gold in the books of Pakistan history - Gen. Kayani and Imran. General Kayani had a golden opportunity to stage a coup of sorts and be the President or PM; even people of Pakistan might have approved it. The PPP government was mired in corruption; the economy is down, the GDP is just not growing, basic infrastructure like energy is struggling; there was no way to wish for anything good for Pakistan as a country, and to have a support Gen. Musharraf was returning. But Gen. Kayani resisted any such temptation. He let the polls go the way it should. His name must be etched in gold in the history of Pakistan for being the first General who ever could resist any such temptation to be in power. Second, Imran made the Pakistani youth to believe in themselves. Imran also made the Pakistani populace to believe that change can be brought out without a military intervention, but through a ballot paper. People of Pakistan braved the threats of militant groups and responded. Whether he is politically mature or not, whether he won the election or not, whether he is the right leader or not, for having brought out that long wanted ONE belief, Imran's name should also be etched in gold in the books of history. Now Mr. Shariff has a golden chance to have his name also etched in gold; if only he can succeed in what he promised in his election campaigns. I hope it all works out for the good of Pakistani people - a population that has been deprived of what they actually deserved for 65 years. With lots of love and regards to all my Pakistani brothers and sisters. Murali Nair, Bangalore, India.
In addition to the public threats made by Altaf, there is a track record for political murders by MQM as well. Do you trust that any investigation will succeed if perpetrators are indeed from MQM? Are you aware what they do to witnesses?
And what kind of a childish argument is this that if Taliban can kill people then it is okay for MQM to do it too?
BTW, MQM has been involved in murdering their opponents and even dissidents in their own ranks for much longer than Taliban.
Pakistani nation is with imran khan. Altaf and his thugs will face justice in people's court
I live in Karachi, area close by MQM.....the root cause of all issues is Altaf Hussain......he has kept all terrorists hiding in respective units.....even most of the MQM people are sick and tired of his monopoly...they want British Govt to arrest him and handover to Pakistan for 100000 of killings
PTI needs military wing to survive in Pakistan politics. All major parties have their own armed militia. PTI also needs it. Else you are gone!!!
Every citizen of Karachi knows the way MQM works and for them killing someone is not a big deal. No doubt, that MQM is involved in killing of Zahra Hussain specially when that person sitting in London threatens PTI workers and people of Karachi. The British Government is also responsible for the murder of Zahar Hussain and every citizen to Karachi will also agree that MQM is not a political party but a terrorist organization.
@Aschraful Makhlooq Altaf Hussain threatened PTI workers on live broadcasts...what more evidence do you want???
@JB:
This is exactly what Taliban do and yet PTI is so sympathetic to them and opposes any action against them.
@Saad:
Then Imran Khan should have no problem talking to them instead of asking for any action against them as this is the stance of Imran Khan against Taliban terrorists.
Every one who is writing against IK should understand that it none of there buisness to suggest any thing , he is a party leader and know best what to say.
@G Parthasarathy:
Sir, with due respects. Are you the same Mr. Parthsarathy I met in the Kamaraj Hall in Chennai a couple of years ago? If yes, kindly connect with me.
PTI has brought nothing but disturbance and mayhem to Karachi. They flaunted themselves as agents of change: they have instead become forces of anarchy.
The murder of Zara Shahid is disapointing but whats more disapointing is the finger pointing and blame game by Imran Khan. We had thought of him as an ideal leader who would lead our nation out miseries through his charisma but with the unfolding of various events post elections like threatening ECP, inability to control his own workers now this, are showing us a very different - and negative - picture of him. I hope that he settles and moves on in an ideal manner which is the need of hour.
To all the 'immature' analysts, how soon is it to condemn a murderer, 1 murder is not enough for you people? What if i threaten your family and 4 days later someone in your family is killed, who would you point the finger at? I'm sure even if you have half a brain you'll know the answer.
MQM party are the 'YARGMALLY (HOSTEGES PEOPLES) Party' which they not allow people to move freely in their own sectors in karachi.'
Imran khan statement is 100% right, he knows what to say, I think British Police should ban on Altaf hussain speeches from UK.
MQM is a terrorist party
For all those who think IK was politically immature; ask yourselves this...how would you react when someone openly threats your people on LIVE TV and then one your people die?
MQM is no doubt behind this, when you have a leader openly threaten a group of people and then talks about separation how much more proof do you want??. MQM has been terrorizing the people of Karachi for far too long, time we stand up against these terrorists and criminals.
First of all condolences on the death of this lady. Secondly, this should serve as a wake up call to Imran and PTI that terrorists are no one's friend. Before election workers of PPP, MQM AND ANP were under fire because they represented ruling parties in the country. Sadly appeasement does not work with terrorists. The masjid attack in Malakand was another pointer in that direction. Instead of blaming another political force he should unite with other forces fighting terrorists.
Oh Almighty give us the courage, strength and wisdom to stand against these killers who kill ferociously without mercy and no body is there to catch them. They kill our women children and we stand aside like spectators thinking this may not happen to me. We cannot afford to live in this trance any more. No one is coming to help us. It is only us who can stop them. If we still remain dormant, next pray of these predators can be our mother our sister. Threat is clear present and real.
@ all supporters of Altaf hussain, and anti IK
i dont know whether Altaf hussain is involved in this or not, but he has given life threatening warning to NA-250 people. we all live in pakistan, imagine if any common man give anyone a life threatening warning, and that person is murdered by someone else, everybody included the police will held that common man responsible, Altaf hussain must know what he is speaking, law should be equal for both altaf hussain and a common man, Altaf hussain is not above law.
IK's reaction was not immature, its straight forward and simple,
A highly irresponsible statement coming from IK; lacks political maturity and displays tunnel vision. He should himself this question. Who does it benefit the most if PTI and MQM go for each other's throats and have turmoil in Karachi?
@Pakistani Ostrich:
"Imran blames Altaf…. the British Government responsible, claiming that the British government had been warned to act against Altaf Hussain following open threats to kill PTI workers…
When IK’s buddy talibans blows up innocent pakistanis…..he blames drones…US government..everybody except for talibans!"
You got 1 recommendation on your comment.
Compare that to hundreds of recommendations on pro-Imran comments.
This shows that a majority of Pakistanis are ignorant and naive.
Also, don't be surprised by this. The fact that a country with 180 million is a failed state shows where the priority of the people are.
How about holding Imran responsible for all the killings by his Taliban gang?
My wife, kids and I knew Zahra and her family well in my days as India's Consul General in Karachi from 1982-1985. Her Late Husband Group Captain Shahid had then just left the Air Force and entered business. One really cannot understand why anyone would want to kill a warm, compassionate person like Zahra.` Zahra's family maintained close and regular ties with their relatives in Lucknow. Zahra always dropped by at our home in Delhi when visiting India. She was a wonderful, warm human being whom my wife and I will sorely miss. Our condolences to her family and our prayers that her soul may rest in eternal peace.
G ParthasarathyWhen MQM, PPP and ANP contestants were being killed by TTP was anyone blaming Imran Khan for that because his party has support from the Taliban? If MQM wanted to kill anybody in the opposing parties they could have done it a long time ago not when the whole country is focused on NA250. Who do you think has to gain from this murder? MQM had already boycotted the re-elections.
Imran Khan's immaturity prevented him from being PM, another demonstration from him
May her soul rest in peace. Heartless killers must be brought to justice ASAP to relieve pain of so many grieved people.
Imran Khan sadly immature as his supporters! this will not bring good for the people Pakistan particularly for the people of Karachi and I am seeing not good days coming for PTI in Karachi. Only defence and clifton does not even make 5% of Karachi
For all those blaming IK for his statement... Let me ask you all a question... If someone openly threatens ur family member (God forbid) and not just a mild threat and in a couple of days they end up killed by someone then who would you blame??
@I am a Khan: It's people like u who are part of the problem. Even altar Husain has condemned the killing. Wat did you expect from him. He also condemned the killing of dr imran farooq. Shame on u
I think that because of conflict of two parties third party done the job to further increase hatred. However, hatred statement could also trigger this motive as party member are not fully control and very attached with Altaf so Imran is correct that Altaf should not gives this type of statements.
@Cheeko Beeko: ".....Imran Khan should provide crideablibily proof against of MQM, keeping in the the taget killers." . Last time it was a court in California where his credibility was questioned. He is a fugitive from the state law.
hahahaha you think this is immature? Imran has said EXACTLY what the people of Karachi wanted him to say, its genius.
I'm a PTI voter and resident of Karachi.
Very irresponsible statement by Imran Khan.
Investigation has barely begun and he has already inflamed a tense situation.
He must realise that there are thousands of people on each side of the political divide who will react to these accusations (true or not).
Does he not care about the lives and safety of the people of Karachi?
Come on IK show us that you're a true statesman not just another politician.
3,4 days ago Mr. Altaf on live TV threatened the lives of PTI workers and today a PTI worker is shot in the head twice or thrice (none of her personal gathering were taken, so it was no robbery). You do the math!
Also, For anyone interested, followed is a link to the live TV speech where MQM chief threatens PTI workers and says he'll unleash his squad now. (this UK Police has a copy of this video also for investigation)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=87BwF3UYwwI#t=234s
All those who think PTI are jumping the gun in blaming a political party need to get a serious reality check I have been part of this campaign for over a month and the threats and harassment PTI have faced isn't an illusion this was building up and now has resulted in cold blooded murder.
Great loss indeed of family , party & country. 2/ PTI workers would nt bow down / hesitate to go for voting bcz each vote duly stamped would prove a death stamp for killers of Apa Zahra - a gentle lady. 3/ We appeal captain after healing this brutal murder & several others case be suited at UK. 4/ This assassination should not be forgotten neither compromised. This could be a test of PTI whether it protects or cares / revenge their murders or let loose as other parties do.
@All sanity is lost/Khan/LOK:
If I publicly threaten someone or people affiliated with them a mere few days before their murder, rest assured that I would be THE prime suspect for such an act. IK is connecting the dots and calling a spade, a spade.
How can Imran Khan hold Altaf Husain responsible for the murder without any proof, even though Altaf Husain has condemned the murder..
When MQM workers got killed, PTI supporters said "MQM themselves must've killed their workers to gain sympathy votes." Now when a PTI supporter has been killed, if one is to go about with the above PTI logic who is to be blamed? Zahra Shahid Hussain was a shia and this being a sectarian killing cannot be ruled out. Perhaps Imran Khan's brothers in faith Taliban killed her.
“Unfortunately the British Government did nothing to stop his calls to violence and killings.” . That's rich --- Pakistani political leader is suppose to be censored/controlled by the UK? It appears that IK and Altaf Hussain both lack the maturity and leadership skills so sorely needed in Pakistan.
Imran should have demanded impartial investigation instead of directly naming someone. If a PTI supporter is eaten by a lion, would he blame Mian Sahib for that?
That's a highly irrational and immature statement, by a leader of the calibre he is portrayed as. Leaves no difference between him and Altaf Hussain.
Why blame the British government. Pakistanis should learn to deal with their own created mess!
Immature attitude of Kaptaan losing his mind after defeat in Punjab.....and looking for other fronts to be in media and started blame game and it is always the same to blame MQM...what about taliban attacks in Karachi particularly on MQM, did PTI ever condemend it? so called naya pakistan with fake revolutionaries.
Imran, While AH's statement was stupid, yours is similarly unwarranted. Please show some distinction between yourself and AH.
Imran Khan always speaks what the common people are thinking. That's why everyone believes in him and wants the change that he represents.
Imran is still immature and may no get political maturity in his remaining life
Imran Khan has to be fair in involving the MQM Leader Mr. Altaf Hussain for murdering Zohra Shahid Huaain.
Imran Khan should provide crideablibily proof against of MQM, keeping in the the taget killers.
im suspicous too, there's some discrepancy it seems. i am a resident of an area nearby to phase 4; there are hardly any mobile snatchings...at least 100 times less than other parts of the city. this is brutal murder, i say.
@irfan: You and your ranting about political insights. Karachi is buring, and people are like you are fiddling.
For those who're saying it's too early to call the shots. Let me explain
If someone threatens to kill you and you report that to the police and tell them that if I'm attacked, this person who threatened me shall be held responsible. Then if you're attacked/killed, the police would arrest that person against whom you registered the complaint.
It does not establish anything. It doesn't establish guilt on the accused person. BUT it's common practice to immediately start criminal proceedings against the accused.
It is a shame !! Shameful nation shameless people.
I knew Zahra aunty. She was a great woman and her loss to PTI is huge and very sad indeed. I think it is about time the guilty people should be punished for these acts. Rigging, No free and fair elections, Threats to PTI followers, and now murder of a PTI leader just a day before the re elections, all these events must be taken notice of and some action needs to be taken against all this.
Highly immature to make a statement like that without proof. The already inflicted enmity will only be worsened, this doesn't make things easier for anyone. I don't support either parties yet irrational statements seem to be coming out from both.
This for his political insight. Not even the swearing in ceremony has been held for his party to sit in opposition, and he has started to show his political expertise. Or may be, he wanted something to happen to Karachi, if previous incidents were not enough for him.. GREAT! CARRY ON1
Setting aside the fact how Imran came to this conclusion without any formal investigation, what is Imran so upset about? After all Taliban do much worse but he is so sympathetic to them. Does blood of thousands of ordinary Pakistanis who got killed by Taliban mean so little to him but once only one of his own is killed her blood is so important?
This is very immature of IK to act like this. He should have controlled the situation. Why would MQM do this? MQM would be the biggest loser if they do it. There is a third force which is creating this rift between MQM and PTI to pave their own way! Wake up people..
One gives credence to Imran Khan's statement,because the statement of Altaf Hussain is on record.Both British & Pakistan governments should take note of it.
Kaptaan. i am with you! InshAllah we will win against injustice one day!!