MQM calls for end to arrests of party workers

Party office in Shah Faisal Colony was raided on Tuesday night

KARACHI: Following a raid at their unit office in Shah Faisal and the arrest of 16 of their workers from different parts of the city on Tuesday, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) called on Wednesday for an end to the arrests.

According to them, the law enforcement agencies (LEAs) raided the party office, unit 106 of the Shah Faisal area, and arrested five activists, including the unit incharge. Raids were also made in other areas, with activists from North Nazimabad, Korangi and Qasba-Aligarh sectors apprehended.

MQM leader Aminul Haque said that the arrested workers from the Shah Faisal unit were beaten up in front of the public by the LEAs before being taken away. "No LEAs have the right to humiliate and beat political activists. MQM has the legal and democratic right to function as a political party," he said. The party's Rabita Committee, condemning the arrests in a press statement, said "We have no information about their whereabouts. Their families are very worried and concerned. They should be brought to the courts if they are wanted in any case."

The MQM appealed to the prime minister, federal interior minister, the Sindh chief minister and the governor to take notice of the arrests.

The party has also demanded a probe into the death of their worker M Abdul Majeed, claiming that he was tortured.

Majeed, who belonged to the MQM's Karachi Mazafati Organising Committee was imprisoned at Karachi Central Jail, and was brought to Civil hospital two days ago. He died on Tuesday at the hospital from brain haemorrhage.

"After days of torture, he was moved to the jail on February 20. Due to intense torture, he suffered brain haemorrhage," said the party in a press statement. Majeed hailed from Ibrahim Haidery and was arrested on January 31 by the LEAs.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 7^th, 2015.