At least 17 people were killed and 24 others injured on Thursday in violence erupting in reaction to Sindh Senior Minister Zulfiqar Mirza’s fiery criticism of MQM chief Altaf Hussain late on Wednesday.
Peace in Pakistan’s financial hub had barely returned after five days of ethnic and political violence in which more than 100 people were killed when the Sindh senior minister’s statement set the stage for more bloodshed in the city. Riots erupted in Karachi and other parts of Sindh, including Hyderabad, soon after Mirza’s statement was televised on all news channels.
Reports of firing and arson poured in as angry MQM supporters took to the streets to protest against the statement of the PPP leader. On Thursday morning, a large number of protests were organised across the country but the more violent ones were witnessed in Karachi where MQM supporters tried to force their way towards the home of the senior minister.
As violence spread, the Sindh Information Ministry issued an unsigned statement ostensibly from Mirza claiming that the previous night’s comments were his “personal opinion” and not the party’s stance. The statement also apologised for the grievance caused to the Urdu-speaking people of the province. The enraged crowd set tyres on fire at every main artery of the city, suspending vehicular traffic. Shops, markets and hotels were closed following the riots in late hours of Wednesday.
Petrol pumps and CNG stations were also shut down. However, an uneasy calm prevailed only after MQM supreme leader Altaf Hussain called on his supporters to “end their peaceful protest and return to their homes.” Shops and hotels in some parts of the city were opened after 24 hours. However, public transport was yet to be restored. Sindh Inspector General of Police Wajid Durani said 17 people, including two policemen and a woman were killed, and 24 sustained serious bullet injuries during riots in various parts of the city.
He said 32 vehicles, including motorcycles, cars and trucks were set on fire, adding that hundreds of pushcarts and cabins were also burnt in the riots. Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah called acting Sindh Rangers DG Brig Zafar Iqbal and ordered him to take immediate steps for the protection of citizens’ life and property in Sindh, particularly Karachi.
Earlier, addressing a press conference along with Sindh IG and Karachi CCPO, Sindh Home Minister Manzoor Wasan requested the people of Sindh, particularly Karachi, to show patience. He said that Mirza’s statement was his personal view and not those of the PPP. He said the MQM was Sindh’s second largest political party, adding that the PPP accepted and respected its mandate.
Summons: In the wake of the violence ensuing from Mirza’s statement, President Asif Ali Zardari summoned him to Islamabad. President’s spokesman Farhatullah Babar said Mirza had been summoned to the federal capital in wake of his controversial statement. The PPP has already disowned the statement and called upon its ranks and file to show restraint in making public statements.
However, it could not be confirmed whether Mirza had met the president on Thursday.
