MQM pro-Zardari rally begins

KARACHI: Muttahida Qaumi Movement's (MQM) 'Democracy and Stability of Pakistan Rally' has begun and a large number of MQM workers and supporters have gathered at the venue and more were coming in, Geo News reported.

The security was beefed up ahead of the rally and a heavy contingent of police and wardens has been deputed. Sindh Home Minister Manzoor Wassan also visited the venue.

MQM Chief Altaf Hussain would also address the rally. Pakistan People's Party (PPP) delegation comprising Taj Haider, Pir Mazharul Haq and others has arrived.

After the PML-N leader Shahbaz Sharif came down hard on President Zardari at a rally in Lahore on Friday, the ruling PPP was expected to hit hack with full force. But it was the MQM that leapt to Zardari's defence, while the PPP ended up trailing round its coalition partner.

On Saturday, the Sindh government lifted a ban on public rallies and processions in the metropolis for two days in order to pave the way for the Muttahida Qaumi Movement to hold a pro-democracy rally to voice its support for Zardari and criticise the PML-N for "using foul language and derogatory remarks against the office of the president".