Altaf appeals govt to remove hurdles from march routes

Federal government contacts MQM leadership in London and took into confidence.

KARACHI: Just hours before long marches to the capital on Independence Day commence, Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussian once again requested the government to remove all containers and barriers placed on the routes.

In an ‘SOS’ appeal, the MQM chief on Wednesday requested prime minister Nawaz Sharif, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and the federal cabinet to remove all hurdles present in the way of protests being led by the Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

He further said that all barriers including containers and trailers from Lahore, Islamabad and Rawalpindi and other parts of the Punjab should immediately be removed.

“It is the right of every political party to protest, hold rallies and demonstrations. And no one can be deprived of this right,” said Hussain.

The MQM chiefs said residents of Model town in Lahore have been confined to their area for the last four days and were facing difficulty in reaching hospitals as all the roads have been blocked. “It is the need of the hour that political differences should be tolerated, and dialogue be held to sort out issues.”

He also appealed to the PAT, PTI and other parties carrying out the long march, to remain peaceful. “The marches should not be violent and the law should be taken into ones hands.”

After Hussain’s statement, the federal government contacted the party leadership in London, and took the MQM into confidence. A party leader hoped that the barricades would hopefully be removed in time.

Altaf thanks govt for removing barricades

MQM chief thanked the federal government for taking notice of his appeal and removing containers and barriers that were placed on the routes.