KARACHI: Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah on Tuesday strongly criticised Pak Sarzameen Party leader Mustafa Kamal over the ‘Million March’ dubbing him as ‘Altaf Hussain 2’ and hijacking the city for his political gain.
The chief minister, while briefing media on his visit to China, said that it was known that Kamal intended to lead the ‘Million March’ on Sunday towards the CM House, which was violation of the permission granted to not enter the red zone.
He said the democratic government had given Kamal the right to stage a protest outside the FTC but instead Kamal violated the agreement and marched towards the CM House. “This was why water cannon and tear gas was used to disburse the protestors,” he said maintaining that no one would be allow to block the main artery of Shahrah-e-Faisal.
He also downplayed the police action against Kamal which he said was being portrayed as huge injustice. “They said they would come to the CM House. I am not the only one at the CM House. They are people who live around in the area.”
He said that the PSP leaders were not disturbed when they staged the sit-in outside the Karachi Press Club, and instead the cabinet members had negotiated with them. However, this time they did not give any assurances crossed the area and there was no option but to disburse them.
READ MORE: Police arrest PSP top brass including Mustafa Kamal
CM Sindh also dubbed Kamal as ‘Altaf Hussain 2’ saying that the language used by Kamal during a recent interview to a private channel only suited the Mutahida Quami Movement founder.
“People of my city [Karachi] have seen worst law and order situation in the city – and they used to remained confined within the four walls of their houses,” he said. “After hectic efforts and political will of the government and support of the citizens and effective work and sacrifices of law enforcement agencies peace has been restored in the city. ”
Police had arrested several PSP leaders on Sunday as they attempted to march towards the CM House to protest against the provision of basic necessities in the city. Police resorted to baton charge, teargas shelling and water canon firing on the participants of the rally. Kamal was later released in the wee hours on Monday.
A case was lodged against Kamal and other PSP leaders including Anees Qaimkhani, Raza Haroon, Dr Sagheer Ahmed at the Saddar police station for violation of loudspeaker act and Section 144 while forbids the presence of more than four people at a public place.
