MQM-P leaders visit Martyrs' Monument in Azizabad

KARACHI: Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) chief Dr Farooq Sattar, along with members of the party’s Coordination Committee, visited the martyrs’ monument in Azizabad on Saturday.

The MQM-P chief had announced to stage a rally towards the monument, but it was cancelled after the administration did not grant permission citing security concerns.

Dr Sattar, along with members of the Coordination Committee, including Amir Khan, Rauf Siddiqui, Faisal Sabzwari, Kamran Tessori, and Karachi Mayor Waseem Akhtar, visited the monument in Karachi’s Azizabad, where the party’s Nine Zero headquarters, which was sealed off after Altaf Hussain’s Aug 22 incendiary speech, is located.

Police had blocked the roads leading to the Yadgar-e-Shuhda by placing containers and allowed the MQM chief and party leaders to proceed towards the graveyard.

Dr Sattar and other party leaders lay floral wreath at the graves of the martyrs and offered Fateh for their eternal peace.

Consultations with Rabita Committee

The MQM chief held consultations with the Coordination Committee at the party’s temporary headquarters in Bahadurabad before leaving for the Jinnah Ground to pay tribute to the martyrs.

During his brief interaction with media persons outside the party headquarters, he said the party will not march towards the monument as it was not granted permission for the march owing to security reasons.

“We met the administration and sought permission, but it denied the same citing terrorism threat,” he said and asked, “Is the threat only for us.”

He said only senior party leaders will visit the monument, and added that the party will not be responsible, if workers reach the monument on their own.

Dr Sattar said the sacrifices rendered by the martyrs were an important part of their movement, which will not go waste.

In a video statement posted on his Twitter account on Friday, the MQM-P chief had announced that his party will stage a rally from Ayesha Manzil to the monument today at 3:00pm to pay tribute to the martyrs.

Dr Farooq Sattar quits MQM-P

Earlier on Thursday, the MQM chief Farooq Sattar had announced to resign from the party and politics only to take back the decision an hour later.

“My mother ordered me to continue serving the party, country and its people. To fulfill her wishes, I take my decision back,” Dr Sattar told party workers and supporters outside his residence during the second presser.

Dr Sattar, in his first presser, clarified that his November 8 announcement of an alliance with rival Pak Sarzameen Party (PSP) wasn’t a merger as claimed by PSP chief Mustafa Kamal.

“Mustafa Kamal wants to bury MQM’s name and politics. How can he bury a party which has mandate and support of people of Karachi?” asked the MQM chief.

PSP chief Mustafa Kamal will address an important press conference today at his party’s headquarters to respond to the criticism.