Afaq Ahmed condemns Karachi violence, calls for arrest of peace disruptors
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Muhajir Qaumi Movement-Haqiqi (MQM-H) Chairman Afaq Ahmed has strongly condemned the recent unrest in Karachi, alleging that the violence was premeditated and urging the government to take immediate action against those responsible for disturbing peace in the city, Express News reported.
Speaking at a press conference in Karachi on Thursday, Ahmed referred to an incident in North Karachi that occurred the previous night.
He called upon citizens to peacefully come out onto the streets to demand their rights on Saturday. "I appealed to the people of Karachi to protest against the injustices being committed in this city. I extended a call to both political and religious parties to join in a peaceful demonstration," he stated.
He stressed that the protests are a result of the government's continued failure to address the city's longstanding issues. 'People are hopeful now, seeing that someone is ready to stand for the city without fearing consequences. This city has suffered more than just traffic accidents – we are facing deep-rooted injustices,' he said.
Ahmed also expressed serious concerns about the deteriorating state of education in Karachi. 'The academic system has been ruined. Entire examination centres are being changed, and results are manipulated. Who is accountable for the suffering of our students?' he asked.
Highlighting the diversity of Karachi, he added, 'This city is home to people of every language, ethnicity, and background. But those born and raised here are facing discrimination. When I raised my voice against the heavy traffic system, a political party accused me of instigating ethnic conflict between Muhajirs and Pashtuns.'
He rejected these allegations, stating, 'They accused me of trying to divide communities, but MQM-H will never allow anyone to loot the province's resources. When I tried to unite people, I was labelled a criminal.'
Referring to the violent incident, Ahmed said, 'This was a calculated move. Rumours were deliberately spread that people had died, creating panic. Don't our institutions realise what's happening? Why is this chaos being allowed in the city?'
He further pointed out that heavy vehicles like dumpers were deliberately brought into the protest areas to intensify the situation. 'We did not come here to hear anti-state slogans. If the authorities are serious, they can apprehend the agitators in just one day,' he claimed.
Expressing concern over law and order, Ahmed said, 'Yesterday's events are deeply alarming. Are our institutions even capable of maintaining peace in this city? I demand that those who have destabilised law and order be arrested and presented before the public to reveal who is truly behind these disturbances.'
He concluded by reiterating that MQM-H's protest is against corruption and injustice. 'Our movement is peaceful and against government oppression. We appeal to all citizens, regardless of their ethnicity, to join us with white flags on April 12 in a non-violent protest.'
'This is a peaceful movement. No one will be allowed to incite violence. The authorities must act against those trying to disrupt the peace,' he affirmed.
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