18 MQM offices demolished in Karachi, over 218 sealed

KARACHI: Authorities action against illegally constructed offices of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) continued early Saturday with 18 offices demolished and over 218 sealed in Karachi so far.

MQM offices which are constructed on lands allotted for parks and other public places are being demolished.

Party offices in Landhi, Lines Area, Gulistan-e-Jauhar, New Town, Kharadar, Meetha Dar and Railways Colony were demolished on Saturday. A day ago, MQM offices were demolished in Bhains Colony, Sachchal, Airport, Tariq bin Ziad Society and Quaidabad.

So far, 18 party offices have been demolished and 218 sealed in Karachi.

Residents kept gazing the action as heavy machinery levelled the offices. A few opportunists were also seen plundering things out of the rubble.

Officials said that 178 of party unit offices and 22 sector offices are situated on encroached lands. They said that a decision has been made to immediately demolish 32 of these offices, while others would be razed gradually.

Concerned authorities have been directed to raze offices on lands allotted for or belonging to schools, parks, playgrounds and Water Board. These offices are situated in Gulshan Iqbal, Gulistan e Jauhar, Ferozabad, New Town, PIB Colony, Soldier Bazar and Brigade areas.

Meanwhile, Karachi University administration told Geo News that MQM unit office in the staff colony has also been evacuated, while MQM posters, party flags and portraits of the party supremo Altaf Hussain have also been removed from the campus.

The action against party offices was initiated shortly after an inflammatory speech by the party chief and attacks on media houses in the ensuing violence in Karachi on Monday.

More offices razed in Sukkur, Hyderabad

At least two illegal MQM offices were razed in Hyderabad on Saturday, police said. Meanwhile 13 sector and 70 unit offices were sealed.

Several banners and posters carrying images of the MQM founder were removed from Hyderabad. Pro-MQM wall chalking was also wiped off.

Speaking to Geo News, Khadim Rind said, "Illegal construction of government property will be razed to the ground."

In Sukkur two MQM offices at Miani Road in Ghaznavi Park and Pak Colony were razed. Another office in old Sukkur was sealed.