Mystery deepens over Ebad’s resignation

Govt says MQM concerns over targeted operation to be addressed.

ISLAMABAD/ KARACHI:

The mystery over Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad’s abrupt exit deepened on Saturday amid conflicting reports about him turning in his resignation and denials of him even contemplating the same.

Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) sources confirmed to The Express Tribune that the governor had sent his resignation to the president in protest at the targeted operation in Sindh. The media office in the Presidency, however, neither confirmed nor denied the resignation report as Saturday was a government holiday.

According to a report, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan phoned Ebad in Dubai and asked him to review his decision. “The interior minister assured the governor that the federal government would address his party’s concerns on Karachi operation,” said a representative in the minister’s office.

Asking Ebad to review his decision, the interior minister told him that the operation in Karachi was not directed against any particular political party or group. “The operation was aimed at eliminating criminal elements and bringing peace to Karachi,” the minister told the governor.

However, according to another report, Dr. Ebad during his telephonic conversation with Nisar clarified his position and denied reports about his resignation. Meanwhile, he reportedly expressed his concern over the targeted operation being carried out in Karachi by Rangers and police personnel.

“I have not yet resigned, but situation is very deplorable in which the option for the resignation cannot be ruled out” sources privy to the development quoted the governor.

The interior ministry spokesperson, however, did not confirm that the interior minister telephoned the governor and other MQM leaders in Karachi.

The MQM leaders also shied away from the question of Ebad’s resignation. MQM leader Faisal Subzwari, speaking to media said, “The governor has left for Dubai. We do not have any idea about his resignation. You can confirm it from the President House in Islamabad.”

Talking to The Express Tribune, a spokesperson for the Governor House did not say when the governor would return, but reiterated that the incumbent had not yet resigned. “I cannot further comment, but it is governor’s personal visit and he frequently goes to meet his family and relatives there,” he said.

According to reports, Chaudhry Nisar also contacted MQM Senator Babar Ghauri and Chief Minister Sindh Qaim Ali Shah.  “The interior minister discussed the situation of Karachi with the CM. He appreciated the role of Rangers and police against, extortionists, terrorists, target killers and suspects involved in kidnapping for ransom,” said CM House spokesman.

On the other hand, sources in MQM said that during the telephonic conversation, MAM leader Babar Ghauri told Nisar how ‘their innocent workers and leaders’ were being arrested in Karachi operation which according to him was aimed at victimising MQM.

“The interior minister has assured governor Sindh and Babar Ghauri that our genuine grievances would be redressed,” said a senior MQM leader.

Senior police official slain

A senior police official was shot dead in Karachi on Saturday in a broad daylight near his residence.  Forty-eight year old Deputy Superintendent Police (DSP) Abdul Hasnain Mumtaz Shah was on his way to Juvenile Prison when two armed men riding a motorcycle targeted him near his house in Surti Society in Model Colony.

According to eyewitnesses, both the armed men, wearing helmets, first intercepted victim’s car and later shot him multiple times before fleeing from the site. Shah died on the spot.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 15^th, 2013.