Ultimatum given, MQM's illegal offices in Sindh to be dissolved within three days
Reportedly, three-day ultimatum has been given to law enforcement agencies
KARACHI (Web Desk/Dunya News) – Police have been notified to dissolve all offices of Muttahida Qaumi Movement that are operational for decades on land which was acquired illegally, reported Thursday.
Sources reported that top-level authorities of different law enforcement agencies convened a meeting to discuss the law and order situation of province in the aftermath of MQM chief’s speech that resulted in a crackdown against the party.
According to the preliminary reports of the development, all offices of the party established in schools, parks, other recreational spots and sector and unit centres operational in apartments will be dissolved.
Reportedly, three-day ultimatum has been given to law enforcement agencies to comply with the directives.
Pictures removed
Banners and flexes bearing pictures of Muttahida Qaumi Movement founder, Altaf Hussain were removed earlier today at Mukka Chowk and Jinnah Ground.
Pictures displayed in Lateefabad number six, seven and eight in Hyderabad were removed as well.
Torn MQM flexes bearing Altaf Hussain’s pictures at Mukka Chowk, near Nine-Zero
Posters of the party chief who was revered for decades trashed in Hyderabad
The news came in a day after Altaf Hussain trusted Pakistan rabita committee with leadership of the party that he founded in 1990s.
He was detached with the party earlier this week by Dr Farooq Sattar, Leader of the Opposition in Sindh Assembly Khawaja Izharul Hassan and others after he directed workers to attack a television channel and raised anti-state slogans.
Dr Sattar cited Altaf Hussain’s deteriorating mental health for irresponsible statements about the country and national institutions in the recent past.
Within a few days of his controversial speech in Karachi via telephone, Sindh Police and Rangers sealed party headquarters and zonal offices across Sindh and launched a crackdown.
At least 27 workers were detained along with different influential leaders associated with the political party who were presented before a court today after a case was lodged against party chief with their nominations in that.
Earlier today it was reported that offices of the political party in Federal B Area, North Nazimabad, North Karachi and other areas were shut by Rangers.
Notices were displayed outside each of the offices closed by the security personnel that warned of action against anyone who tries to open the party centres.
On the other hand, LEAs nabbed two women workers involved in attack on private television channel while a criminal associated with militant wing of the party was arrested in Liaquatabad.
Incitement to violence
The crackdown was launched by Rangers and other law enforcement agencies after MQM chief Altaf Hussain delivered a speech via telephone on Monday and instigated workers to attack a private television channel. The gathering, on incitement of the party leader, raised anti-state slogans.
Within an hour of the directives, enraged workers stormed ARY News Karachi office and vandalised the property. Workers’ clash with police claimed a life while over two were wounded.
Chief of the Army Staff General Raheel Sharif took notice and telephoned Rangers Sindh Director General who was ordered to take immediate action against the violent workers.
In the aftermath of the incident, Dr Farooq Sattar and Amir Liaquat, leaders of the party workers in Pakistan were detained for a night along with over 20 workers.
The two leaders were released on Tuesday and they held a press conference among others including Khawaja Izharul Hassan, Leader of the Opposition in Sindh Assembly and announced detachment with Altaf HUssain, the founder of the party.
Amir Liaquat went on to quit his political career later that day and cited turmoil in the party for the decision.
Altaf Hussain has had passed several controversial statements in the past.
‘Reversal’
Over 20 supporters of the political party who were arrested for obeying Altaf Hussain’s instructions, pledged dissociation with MQM and raised pro-Pakistan slogans after appearing before a court today for hearing.
Some notable faces of the party who were detained along with the workers on Monday were also presented before the court who followed suit and detached themselves with the party chief.
WATCH HELD WORKERS CHANT SLOGANS:
