During the raid, a heavy contingent of Rangers cordoned off the area and searched through departments of the party’s offices.
Rangers arrested several MQM activists and leaders including Amir Khan.
According to details, Rangers personnel conducted a two-hour long search operation and also cut off telephone lines of Nine-Zero.
A huge number of MQM workers gathered in front of Nine-Zero soon after the search operation commenced. Slogans were chanted against the law enforcement agencies.
Rangers fired aerial gun shots to disperse protesters.
ARY News correspondent Rafay Hussain reported that Rangers personnel have sealed the Khursheed Memorial Hall in Azizabad.
VIDEO: Scenes of Nine-Zero during raid
Rangers Spokesman Colonel Tahir, while talking to the media, said arms and ammunition stolen from NATO containers were recovered during the search operation. He said that during the course of the search operation, weapons whose import had been banned in the country were recovered from the Nine-Zero premises.
He disclosed that dozens of suspected party workers had been arrested during the raid, adding that not even a single MPA or MNA of MQM was detained. He however, confirmed that MQM Rabita Committee member Amir Khan had been picked up for questioning regarding the criminals that had been apprehended from Nine Zero. He stated that Amir Khan will be asked to explain as to why these criminal elements were being sheltered at Nine Zero.
He said the raid was conducted after information of the presence of several convicted criminals was received.
“Investigation will be conducted and results will be shared with the media”, he added.
Colonel Tahir appealed to transporters and traders to carry on their routine work.
VIDEO: Colonel Tahir talks to media
The Rangers Spokesperson also disclosed that a total of five suspects involved in the killing of journalist Wali Khan Babar were apprehended during the search operation. Disclosing the names of the above mentioned suspects, he said that Faisal Mota, Farhan Shabbir alias Mullah, Ubaid alias K-2, Amir and Nadir were the ones taken into custody. Wali Babar was a journalist who was gunned down in the Liaquatabad area whilst he was driving for home from his office. The reporter was shot dead in the Super market police station area on 13th Jan 2011. He used to report on militancy, drugs, crime and land grabbing violence that ensued between Karachi’s political parties.
Situation after raid
MQM has announced peaceful protest countrywide which generated panic in several cities of Sindh including Karachi.
Following uncertain situation, All Private Schools Association announced the closure of schools while University of Karachi postponed all papers scheduled for today.
MQM chief Altaf Hussain’s sister Saira Aslam’s residence was also raided by Rangers personnel as part of their ongoing search operation.
Altaf issued a warning statement that if anything unfortunate were to happen to his sister, Rangers should be held accountable. Altaf Hussain’s speech is expected anytime soon.
Faisal Sabzwari’s clarification
Leader of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Faisal Sabzwari has strongly condemned the killing of party worker Waqas Ali Shah during Rangers’ raid at Nine-Zero by saying “Our party worker was shot at ‘Point Blank Range'”, ARY news reported.
Speaking to media today, Faisal Sabzwari said weapons recovered from Nine-Zero during the search operation are all licensed while party having Interior Ministry’s permit for all prohibited arms and ammunition.
Briefing about the reason of keeping weapon inside the party headquarter, he said MQM has received several threats from militants and being asked to enhance security by government and intelligence agencies.
Faisal Sabzwari addressing the media by arynews
Faisal Sabzwari appealed Prime Minister Mohammad Nawaz Sharif, Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif and DG Rangers to take notice of party worker killing and violence on women.
CM Sindh takes Notice
Chief Minister of Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah has taken the notice of Rangers’ raid at MQM Headquarter Nine-Zero.
Governor Sindh contacts concerned dignitaries
Governor of Sindh Dr. Ishrat-ul-Ibad has contacted Federal Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan and DG Rangers.
Sources said that talks regarding Rangers search operation at Nine-Zero was discussed. He made Chaudhry Nisar aware with MQM’s reservations over the raid.
Rangers release snaps
Rangers issued pictures of weapons recovered and accused arrested from MQM headquarter Nine-Zero during the early morning raid.
Following are the snaps released by Rangers,
Rangers deny MQM’s allegation
Rangers denied MQM’s allegation that LEA personnel killed party worker Syed Waqas Ali Shah by saying “He was gunned down with the bullet fired from TT pistol which Rangers don’t use”.
The statement was issued by DG Rangers Major General Bilal Akber.
Furthermore, Rangers have decided to take strict action against those find involved in spreading violence in the mega polis.
In this regard helpline number has been issued by the Rangers.
MQM stage walkout from Senate
MQM Senators today condemned the raid on party headquarter Nine-Zero declaring it as the revenge for not supporting the government in Chairman Senate elections.
MQM Leaders Nasreen Jalil, Shirala Mallick, Anwaarul Haq Thanvi and Babar Khan Ghauri strongly condemned the raid conducted y Rangers at party headquarter and killing a party worker Syed Waqas Shah, injuring a cameraman of a private TV channel and arresting scores of party workers.
They said raiding the residence of MQM Chief Altaf Hussain’s sister was unjust. They have demanded Prime Minister Mian Nawaz Sharif to order investigation into the incident.
Speaking on the occasion, Syed Tahir Hussain Mashhadi of MQM said that Rangers have become party against MQM.
MQM members staged a walkout from the House to protest against the raid.
