MQM stages walkout after Sindh government orders withdrawal of Lyari cases

KARACHI: Sindh government’s decision to withdraw criminal cases lodged during the Lyari operation and involving leaders of banned Lyari Peace Committee, drew MQM rage as the party’s lawmakers protested the move accusing the PPP government of patronizing criminals.

The government decision coincided with a special in-camera session of the Sindh Assembly on Karachi law and order.

MQM MPAS headed by provincial Health Minister Dr Sagheer Ahmed staged walk-out and boycotted the in-camera briefing by the Sindh IG in the house.

Speaking to media, Ahmed said that Lyari gangsters barbarically killed many people and their activities were continuing unabated. He accused the government of patronizing such criminals and not taking the MQM on board over the issue of withdrawal of cases.

Dr Sagheer Ahmed said a letter was written by the government to withdraw cases against Lyari gang war criminals and the party would chalk out future course of action if the cases were withdrawn. Sagheer also announced that the MQM would not contest the elections alongside the PPP.

The minister also told media that a meeting of the MQM’s Coordination Committee was underway in London to review the situation.

Earlier, the Sindh Law Ministry directed Public Prosecutor South to withdraw 34 cases lodged during the Lyari operation.