Karachi: The Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) has strongly condemned the Sindh government’s decision to withdraw security from its federal ministers, lawmakers, and senior leaders, calling it an attempt to intimidate the party for raising its voice against injustice.
Reacting to the move, Federal Health Minister and MQM leader Mustafa Kamal said the withdrawal of security was meant to silence MQM, but added that the party would not back down under pressure.
“This is an effort to scare us. We will not remain silent. If they have any other tactics, they should use them as well,” Mustafa Kamal said.
He said MQM would continue to speak out against oppression, adding that the Sindh government provides security to those raising separatist slogans, but resorts to threats when MQM leaders merely ask questions.
Mustafa Kamal urged the federal government to take control of the province, saying the situation reflected a failure of governance. He also questioned the logic behind withdrawing security from those who have played a key role in Karachi’s development.
“We are the only party that replaced its own leadership when it was wrong. If any other political party has the courage to do the same, they should say so,” he remarked.
Earlier, MQM-P confirmed that security was withdrawn from Federal Ministers Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Mustafa Kamal, Dr Farooq Sattar, and Anis Qaimkhani, as well as Ali Khurshidi, the party’s opposition leader in the Sindh Assembly.
Party leaders believe the decision followed strong criticism of the Sindh government and the PPP over the Gul Plaza tragedy, after which the Sindh Home Department ordered security personnel to return immediately.
MQM lawmakers and senior leaders have expressed serious concern over the move, especially in view of the prevailing law and order situation in Karachi.
In response, MQM-P has announced an emergency press conference at 4pm today, where major decisions and the party’s future political strategy are expected to be outlined.
