Violence as MQM workers storm private channel's office
One person died after getting injured in the protest whereas demonstrators also burned 2 motorcycles
KARACHI (Web Desk) – Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) workers on Monday evening, surrounded the office of a private news channel in Karachi. MQM workers entered the office after taking down the gate of Madina Mall. The demonstrators also broke the windows of the building.
Aerial firing was also carried out in the area whereas two people were initially reported injured because of stampede. One of the injured, named Mohammad Ayub, succumbed to his wounds later on in the hospital. Contingent of Rangers was called in to handle the situation at Madina Mall. The demonstrators also burned a number of vehicles belonging to police.
Two policemen were reported injured as a result of clashes with the demonstrators. Additional contingent of police was later summoned at the scene in order to handle the situation whereas a water cannon was also called in to disperse the protestors.
Traffic jam
Police fired tear gas shells around protestors present near Governor House whereas traffic on a number of roads, including Fawara Chowk, Zaib-un-Nisa Road and Abdullah Haroon Road, was jammed as a result of the unrest. Nearby shops and buildings were also shut down.
Dunya News reporter injured
Dunya News reporter Fahad Qamar also got injured while reporting the unfoldings and fulfilling his professional responsibilities. He is among the reporting team bringing information as things unfold.
Reaction
Sindh Chief Minister (CM) Murad Ali Shah telephoned Sindh Inspector General (IG) police AD Khawaja and directed to bring the situation under control at the earliest and to take action against those involved in firing. Federal Minister of Information Pervaiz Rashid also condemned the attack.
Prime Minister (PM) Nawaz Sharif condemned the attack and directed the related officials to ensure the safety of life and property of the people and the media houses. He directed that action needs to be taken against the extremist elements behind spreading the unrest.
Rangers Director General (DG) Major General Bilal Akbar while commenting upon the situation, stated that the entire incident was being overviewed, adding that action shall be taken against those behind spreading the unrest. He added that those who tool the law into their hands shall not be forgiven.
Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) President Rana Azeem condemned the attack on the office of the private news channel in Karachi and stated that today (Monday) was a dark day for Pakistan s journalism as the country s media came under attack.
While conversing with Dunya News, MQM leader Dr Amir Liaquat Hussain stated that MQM workers cannot be behind the attack adding that the party was against the philosophy of violence. He added that this needs to be enquired that from did the protesters emerged from, further stating that if action should be taken against those behind the unrest, even if they were affiliated with MQM.
MQM s hunger strike camp
MQM workers had organised a hunger strike unto death near Karachi Press Club, which was a few hundred metres in distance to the office of the private news channel.
The hunger strike camp of MQM was disbanded after the violent protests.
