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Express Tribune
15-04-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
A city long yearning for peace
Listen to article On April 15, 1985, a 20-year-old college student Bushra Zaidi was killed by a speeding minibus in Nazimabad neighbourhood of Karachi. Her sister was also injured in the road accident, as well as a few other students. Burhra Zaidi's killing triggered widespread protests by students against rash driving, followed by violence in many parts of the city. Instead of tactfully dealing with protesters, the police used excessive force only to augment the violence — which was soon given an ethnic colour. Since then, Karachi has been in the grip of periodic outbreak of violence. More recently, killings by heavy vehicles, like dumper trucks and water tankers, threaten to ignite ethnic violence in the city. At a press conference in Islamabad on April 8, MQM-P leaders warned that the people of Karachi would not tolerate killings on the roads of Karachi and accused the PPP-led Sindh government of neglecting real issues facing the 30 million-strong mega city. The MQM-P leaders said that more than 90% of cops and bureaucrats in Karachi are non-locals which is the root cause of the various crises facing the city. They also questioned the recent appointment of the Sindh police chief, claiming that the development was followed by a surge in criminal activities across the province. The MQM-P leaders lamented that Karachi, despite accounting for 60% of the federal and 90% of the provincial revenue, gets the step-motherly treatment. Meanwhile, Afaq Ahmed, the Chairman of Mohajir Quami Movement, also bitterly criticised the killing of Karachiites by heavy vehicles; acute water shortage in Karachi; and the free rein that the criminals are enjoying in the metropolis. He warned the Sindh government of serious consequences if immediate steps were not taken to save the people of Karachi from mafias "being patronised by the PPP". Forty years have passed since the tragic accident that resulted in the death of Bushra Zaidi. The situation of Karachi has gone from bad to worse during this period. In 1985, the issue of over-speeding by minibuses owned and run by non-locals destabilised peace of Karachi. Now other serious matters — water crisis, land mafia and street crime — have cropped up, compounding the city's predicament. Four decades ago, the Urdu-speaking population constituted more than 50% of Karachi's total population, but it has lost its majority in the city now. At that time, police and city administration had a sizeable representation of locals, but now — as alleged by both MQM-P leaders and Afaq Ahmed, 90% of police and administration officials in Karachi are non-local, belonging to rural Sindh. It is another story that the MQM fully exploited the killing of Bushra Zaidi to propagate the slogan of Mohajir nationalism. Based on that, the party that was launched in 1984 won the municipal elections of 1987 as well as the National and Provincial Assembly elections from Karachi and Hyderabad in 1988. However, it failed to resolve the very many issues facing the urban population of Sindh. The MQM, which converted into Muttahida Qaumi Movement from Mohajir Qaumi Movement in early 1990s, remained part of almost all federal and provincial governments. The party is accused of letting its voters down by compromising on principles for the sake of power and privilege. Now after 40 years, the Urdu-speaking population of urban Sindh, particularly those from Karachi and Hyderabad, feel that they have betrayed by their leaders. If the citizens of Karachi have had to pay around 25 billion rupees every year to buy water and their lives are at risk because of the rash driving by dumpers, tankers and mini-buses, it means that those who have been getting their votes since 1987 were mainly interested in using the power of the vote for maximising their own wealth. If Karachi and Hyderabad are controlled by non-locals, it means that the MQM compromised on its election manifesto and left people of the two cities in the lurch. Forty years down the line, it is time to analyse what went wrong with the leadership of the Urdu-speaking population of Sindh and why it has failed to meet the aspirations of its voters. One can examine the dynamics of four decades of violence in Karachi from three angles. First, since April 15, 1985, there has been no respite in Karachi and Hyderabad from ethnic violence which was first directed against the Pashtuns, then Punjabis and finally Sindhis. It is alleged that the violence in the wake of Bushra Zaidi's killing was used by the dictatorial regime which patronised MQM against PPP. The MQM got a heavy mandate from Karachi and Hyderabad in the 1988 general elections. It was an ideal opportunity for the party to focus on issues that plagued the two cities. At the April 8 presser by MQM-P leaders, Mustafa Kamal claimed that during his tenure as Mayor, he had changed the face of Karachi. But the question is why the party has failed to take a firm stand against the dumper mafia, water mafia, land mafia and street criminal. The only way the MQM-P can reclaim its popular support is by reverting to the grassroots politics. It is also alleged — not only by MQM, but also by JI, PTI and GDA — that it is the ruling PPP that has destroyed both urban and rural districts of Sindh through bad governance. Lack of ownership for Karachi and Hyderabad on the part of PPP and running the two cities through non-local police and administrative officials further aggravated the issues. When Karachiites, who contribute bulk of federal and provincial revenues, will be left at the mercy of the mafias, the outcome will be nothing else than violence. Second, lives lost on the roads to over-speeding means the absence of rule of law as well as poor governance. When the K-4 water supply scheme continues to remain in limbo for 20 years, it will aggravate the water crisis in Karachi and likely result in water riots. When corruption and nepotism are allowed to destroy the very foundations of the city, it means the destruction of Pakistan's revenue engine. Third, the provincial and federal governments must own Karachi and take steps to ensure rule of law and better governance, and to eliminate mafias. But that is only possible when those who wield power eradicate corruption and nepotism. With the country already facing serious challenges in Balochistan and KP, it cannot afford to see Karachi destabilised.
Express Tribune
12-04-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Afaq alleges conspiracy to inflame ethnic tensions in Karachi
Listen to article Chairman of the Mohajir Qaumi Movement (MQM-H), Afaq Ahmed, on Saturday alleged that a motorcycle was deliberately placed under a dumper truck in the UP Mor area to film a video and create the impression of ethnic violence in the city. Speaking at a press conference, Ahmed claimed that the incident was orchestrated and the individuals who set the dumper on fire were not arrested, while several innocent citizens and his party workers were detained. He said the incident was used to sabotage growing public support for his stance, which he believes has led to an informal alliance between the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). 'Efforts are being made to give an ethnic colour to our movement,' he added. Ahmed stated that his party had called for a peaceful protest involving all communities affected by issues in Karachi, including high traffic volumes, poor access to education, and alleged systemic discrimination in public sector jobs. 'Dumpers don't identify people by ethnicity,' he said, urging authorities to take action against the so-called 'dumper mafia'. He claimed that no arrests were made of those responsible for setting the vehicles ablaze. He also criticised the enforcement of Section 144 in District Central, calling it a reaction to the MQM-H's successful mobilisation efforts. Ahmed stated that political workers from other parties could gather without restrictions, but MQM-H protests were being treated as a threat. Addressing the government and law enforcement, Ahmed said his party was not seeking confrontation and had urged supporters to carry white flags as a symbol of peace. 'We only wanted the government to take notice of our grievances,' he said. Ahmed also accused MQM of avoiding criticism of PPP's governance and questioned why his workers faced legal action for protest planning while no action was taken against similar statements made by MQM leadership. He reiterated that his party did not promote ethnic division and said the recent events were being manipulated to portray MQM-H as a disruptive force. He demanded that those involved in staging the UP Mor incident be arrested and brought to justice. Ahmed concluded by saying that his party would continue advocating for Karachi's rights and called for a stronger organisational presence in District Central. The controversy surrounding the UP Mor incident began after a high-speed dumper collided with multiple motorcyclists near the North Karachi Power House, injuring three people. As a video of the incident went viral, angry residents took to the streets in heavy vehicles including five dumpers, one water tanker, and a truck were set on fire at different locations across the city.
Express Tribune
10-04-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Afaq Ahmed condemns Karachi violence, calls for arrest of peace disruptors
Listen to article 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.
Express Tribune
04-04-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Afaq's MQM toaddress city issues
Mohajir Qaumi Movement (MQM) Chairman Afaq Ahmed has said that a movement would be launched to solve problems of the metropolitan city. He urged people to come out of their homes on April 12 carrying white flags, which symbolise peace and unity. He also revealed that he has secured a location in District Central to set up a party office, which will officially be opened in Samanabad on April 6 at 4pm. On April 12, convoys from all over the city will gather at UP Morr. He said he would appreciate it if the founder of the MQM-P supported his stance. Speaking at a press conference at his residence on Thursday, Afaq Ahmed stated that not only Mohajirs but other ethnic groups are also facing injustices. Since January, 262 people have lost their lives in traffic accidents, while last year, the death toll was 750. Despite the increasing number of accidents, the government has taken no measures to prevent road accidents. He also mentioned the incident in which a citizen was shot dead by criminals in front of his minor child. He criticised the law enforcement agencies, stating that when authorities need to apprehend political opponents, they dig up the ground to find them, while street criminals roam freely.
Express Tribune
19-03-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Afaq announces movement for Karachi's issues
Mohajir Qaumi Movement (MQM) Chairman Afaq Ahmed on Tuesday announced a new movement to address the city's problems. He urged citizens to display white flags on their homes and vehicles as a symbol of the movement. On April 12, he plans to hold a major public gathering in Karachi, where he will make an important announcement. Speaking at a press conference at his residence, Afaq Ahmed stated that their foundation day is a time to reaffirm their commitment. "We take pride in our identity. I am proud to be a Mohajir, and I dedicate this day to those who sacrificed their lives for the Mohajir cause," he said. Following the political activities of MQM-Pakistan, PPP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and PTI, the Mohajir Qaumi Movement is now set to establish its presence in Karachi's political landscape, with Central District as its new hub. In an interview with Express, Afaq Ahmed revealed that a large segment of the Mohajir community resides in Central District, yet no political party besides MQM is addressing their concerns. He confirmed plans to open a party office in the district and temporarily relocate there, ensuring closer engagement with the community.
