PNN: Political tensions in Karachi escalated on Tuesday after government-provided security was withdrawn from several senior leaders of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), including party chairman Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui.
Official security for Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Dr Farooq Sattar and Mustafa Kamal was withdrawn with immediate effect. Security cover for Anis Kaimkhani and Sindh Assembly Opposition Leader Ali Khurshidi was also discontinued.
The Ministry of Interior issued directives ordering security personnel to return immediately. Following the instructions, police mobile vehicles and deployed staff were recalled.
Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui had been assigned one police mobile and eight security personnel, while Dr Farooq Sattar had one mobile and 10 personnel. Ali Khurshidi was provided one mobile and eight personnel. All were withdrawn.
The move followed reported discontent within the Pakistan Peoples Party, though no official reason was given for the withdrawal. MQM leaders believe the decision was taken in response to sharp criticism they levelled at the PPP-led government following the deadly Gul Plaza tragedy.
In response, the MQM decided to react strongly to what it described as a sudden and alarming development. The party has called an emergency press conference for Tuesday at 4pm, where it is expected to announce its future course of action.
Speaking to The Express Tribune, MQM-P leader Aminul Haq said the move reflected panic within the PPP. He said the ruling party could not tolerate criticism and that the MQM would continue to raise public concerns at every forum. He added that such tactics would not stop the party from highlighting what it called the Sindh government’s criminal negligence in the Gul Plaza incident.
Meanwhile, the search operation at Karachi’s fire-hit Gul Plaza building was nearing completion, and the structure was set to be sealed after a final inspection, Deputy Commissioner South Javed Nabi Khoso said on Monday, as the death toll rose to 74.
Personnel from the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation began sealing work at the site, digging pits around the building to install iron shuttering. Officials said the structure would also be enclosed with green plastic netting as part of the process.