Violent protest by MQM workers in Karachi, one killed

KARACHI: Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) workers turned to violence on Monday after being told by their party chief to surround the offices of Geo News, Samaa and ARY.

Prior to workers taking to the streets, MQM chief Altaf Huissain in an address from London incited them to chant anti-Pakistan slogans.

In violent protests which ensued, party workers ransacked the offices of a private news channel while the mobile satelite van of another was damaged.

Shops in Zainab Market located in the city’ commerical area of Saddar were forced to shut down due to the violent protests. At least one person reportedly injured in the firing near Zainab market succumbed to his wounds at the hospital after the violence. Two other people sustained injuries during the violent attacks in which around 2,000 party workers participated.

Traffic jams were witnessed in areas surrounding I.I.Chundrigar road, while the road leading to CM House was also shut. Windows of several vehicles broke due to stone-pelting by MQM workers. More than one dozen people were arrested by the authorities.

After the attacks, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif while taking notice said that those responsible must be arrested as soon as possible. He said that adequate security must be provided to journalists in Karachi.

Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah said that strict action will be taken against those involved in attacks.

“Would do whatever I can to secure the lives of citizens of the city and province”, he added. He further said that whoever was involved in the attacks will not be spared.

Speaking during Geo News’ program ‘Capital Talk’, Federal Information Minister Pervaiz Rasheed while condemning the attacks on TV channels, said that the miscreants would be brought to justice.

Director General (DG) Rangers Major General Bilal Akbar, after the incident, ordered strict and swift action against miscreants who attacked the offices of Geo, ARY, and Samaa.

“Nobody would be allowed to disrupt the peace of the city," said the DG Rangers, according to a press release from the paramilitary law enforcement force.

Governor Sindh Dr Ishratul Ebad said that the peace of the city would be maintained at all cost, adding that stern action will be taken against miscreants as per law.

CM Sindh, DG Rangers visit Geo News office

Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah and DG Rangers Major General Bilal Akbar visited the Geo News head office in Karachi.

They met the channel’s administration and directed law enforcement agencies to improve security measures.

“Cases will obviously be registered. A criminal activity has taken place and action will be taken according to the law,” CM Sindh said during his visit to Geo News office.

DG Rangers said that security of media institutions and journalists would be ensured.

COAS telephones DG Rangers

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Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif telephoned DG Rangers Sindh and directed to maintain law and order situation in Karachi.

COAS said that those who caused the mayhem must be caught at all cost.

DG Rangers during the phone call assured General Raheel that stern action would be taken against the miscreants and their instigators.

He also said that peace in the city would be ensured.