MQM slams arrest of Ex-MPA, Karachi operation

The News ISLAMABAD: The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) took exception to the arrest of its former MPA, Nadeem Hashmi and alleged that the ongoing operation against criminals was directed at the party. Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, MQM leader Haider Abbas Rivi said that the Rangers and police were reluctant to take action when criminal activities like kidnapping of traders and hand grenade attacks were taking place in the city. He said that the MQM had demanded action under the supervision of the Pakistan Army against terrorists, gang-war criminals and extortionists but hundreds of citizens and dozens of MQM activists were arrested by the law enforcement agencies. He said that the operation was focused on MQM dominated areas including Malir, Landhi, Nazimabad, North Karachi and FB area. He said that Nadeem Hashmi, who was arrested last night, was 50 year old engineer but the police accused him of attacking a police mobile. Rizvi said that the MQM had asked the prime minister and interior minister to order a probe into the arrests and raids being carried out in the city. He also raised the question as to why operation was not launched against Taliban militants holed up Al-Asif Square and Peoples Aman Committee (PAC) chief Uzair Jan and his comrades. He asked as to how PAC chief left the country despite the issuance of a court’s non-bailable arrest warrants against him and his associates. “Criminals are escaping from the country while raids are being conducted at the houses of innocent citizens,” Rizvi said, adding that the MQM will not support criminals hiding within its ranks. The MQM leader also asked why action was not taken in Lyari where people were brutally murdered and Kattchi community was forced to migrate to other areas.