MQM Will Observe Day of Mourning Tomorrow in Karachi

An announcement was made by MQM (Muttahida Qaumi Movement) today that the party is going to observe a day of mourning in Karachi tomorrow against the enforced disappearances and alleged extra-judicial killings of party workers, encouraging businesses to remain closed here.

The tension could be seen as MQM, the largest political party of Karachi, called for a strike following a long gap in its protests which often bring put halt to a busy life and business activities of the city. The strike was announced at MQM headquarters during a news conference called by Haider Abbas Rizvi, a senior party leader.

Rizvi said the the MQM lost its patience as the law makers weren’t able to control the situation and his party workers were still being targeted by the security and law enforcement agencies. He said that an MQM worker, named Muhammad Salman along with his nephew Noman were arrested by police on February 3rd from Korangi Crossing in Karachi.

Haider said, "Noman was later dropped off the next day; however, the mutilated body of Salman was recovered from Shah Latif Town". By presenting some photos of the party activist as evidence, he further alleged that Salman suffered terrible torture.

Haider stated that police and paramilitary troops were actually running a targeted drive against the workers of MQM in the name of carrying out an operation against militants and criminals in Karachi. According to his claim, since this operation started in November, over 40 activists of MQM had disappeared. As per Haider, the whereabouts and whether the disappeared members are alive or dead are unknown.

The MQM has appealed to transporters, traders and the common public to keep their businesses closed and stay indoors on Saturday, February 8th.