KARACHI: Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan leader Farooq Sattar on Tuesday accused the Sindh government of allowing a “state within a state” to emerge on Karachi’s roads during Sindhi Culture Day celebrations, alleging large-scale lawlessness, violence and threats against the constitutional order.
Addressing a press conference alongside Sindh Assembly Opposition Leader Ali Khurshidi and other party leaders, Sattar said unrest and violence erupted at multiple locations in Karachi on December 7 under the cover of the cultural celebrations. He claimed that public and private property was damaged, weapons were displayed openly and slogans hostile to the state were raised.
The MQM-P leader, who is also a member of the National Assembly on the treasury benches, described the developments as shameful and deeply alarming. He alleged that the writ of the state was openly challenged and compared the situation to the declaration of a separate “Sindhu Desh”.
Sattar said violent confrontations with police resulted in several injuries and that criminal cases were registered under serious charges, including terrorism and attempted murder. He added that such actions created fear across the city and endangered public safety.
He criticised the Sindh government for what he called its silence over the episode, saying that provincial spokespersons routinely comment on minor issues but failed to respond to an incident of major public concern.
Sattar also took aim at the judicial process, alleging that when those arrested during the violence were presented in court, most were released. He claimed the court effectively argued on behalf of the suspects, leaving little need for legal defence.
The MQM-P leader further alleged that abusive language was directed at Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori during the rally and that participants attempted to target the Governor House. He said threats were issued against the governor and his family, yet no effective action followed.
According to Sattar, the episode reflected an organised attempt to destabilise Karachi and challenge Pakistan’s integrity. He said the peace of the city had been deliberately disrupted and warned of a broader conspiracy to fuel internal conflict.
He urged the Sindh government to ensure that no individual or group is allowed to take the law into its own hands. He also called on the Sindh High Court to take suo motu notice of the incident, form an inquiry commission and conduct a transparent investigation into the events surrounding the celebrations.
