PML-F alleges armed attacks on party offices

KARACHI: The Pakistan Muslim League-Functional (PML-F) on Wednesday alleged that its workers and offices had come under armed attack in Karachi, saying at least 10 party activists were injured in what it described as an effort to obstruct its political activity in the city.

Addressing an emergency press conference at the party’s Clifton office, PML-F Sindh Secretary General Sardar Abdul Rahim said armed men opened fire on party workers during the inauguration of a new office in Baldia Town late on Sunday night.

"Armed men opened fire on our party workers during the inauguration of a new office in Baldia Town late Sunday night," Rahim said. He added that the injured workers were later taken into custody from hospitals and that police registered cases against them instead of proceeding against those responsible for the attack. "This is clear injustice and reflects political pressure on law enforcement agencies," he added.

Rahim alleged that the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) was behind the firing incident. He further said a similar episode had taken place a week earlier in Surjani Town, where another PML-F office was targeted.

According to Rahim, the party had contacted MQM-P leaders, including Farooq Sattar and Anees Qaimkhani, in an attempt to ease tensions, but he said the violence continued despite those efforts.

PML-F levels broader political allegations

Rahim said the incidents were part of what he called a wider pattern of political victimisation. He said vindictive politics was increasing not only in Karachi but in other parts of Sindh as well, and alleged that PML-F workers were being booked in false cases.

He also accused the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and MQM-P of working together to create instability, claiming that increasing public support for the PML-F had caused concern among rival political parties.

Questioning the police response, Rahim said it did not make sense to accuse PML-F workers of opening fire when, according to him, they themselves had been injured in the attacks. He demanded that cases be registered against those involved and that those responsible be arrested and punished.

MQM-P calls for arrests

Meanwhile, the MQM-P central committee said the firing incident reflected a deteriorating law and order situation in Karachi and raised serious questions about the performance of the provincial government and police.

In a statement, the committee called for the immediate arrest of those involved in the incident and demanded strict punishment for the perpetrators.

The developments come amid renewed political tensions in Karachi, a city with a long history of political and sectarian violence. The latest allegations by the PML-F point to rising friction as the party seeks to expand its political presence, while MQM-P has framed the incident as a law and order failure requiring immediate action by the authorities.