Farooq Sattar reached after blaze was put out: Sharjeel

KARACHI: Reacting to the press conference of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), Sindh Information Minister, Sharjeel Inam Memon Sunday said Dr Farooq Sattar, in whose constituency the Timber Market fire erupted, arrived at the site after the flames were doused.

“A number of employees of Baldia did not reach office, turning a deaf ear to the directives of Altaf Hussain (MQM chief),” Sharjeel Memon said while addressing a press conference here.

He termed the fire incident at the Timber Market of Purana Haji Camp as unfortunate, saying wood fire takes some effort and time to extinguish. As many as 58 fire tenders took part in the firefight, he said.

Memon said a committee headed by Commissioner Karachi has been formed to make the assessment of losses caused by the fire. All the damages will be compensated, he added.

Criticising MQM for what he said ‘politics on tragic accidents’, he rejected as wrong the allegation that the government was dosing off on tranquilizers.

He said Provincial Minister Javed Nazir had arrived at the scene at 5 AM in the morning.

“The fire sparked in Farooq Sattar’s constituency who himself reached after the blaze was extinguished,” he maintained.

He said MQM chief Altaf Hussain himself went on record, admitting the members of MQM Rabitta Committee were engaged in land grabbing.

“Did MQM ministers ever tender resignations over happening of big tragedies in the city? Did Wasim Akhtar step down as Home advisor over May 12, 2007 killings?” he asked.

MQM blames Sindh Government

Earlier today, MQM said the fire in the timber market area near Old Haji Camp has proven the failure of the provincial government.