Sindh apex body decides to rename 62 sites named after MQM founder

KARACHI: The civil and military leadership of Sindh on Thursday agreed to rename as many as 62 buildings and roads in Karachi named after the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) founder and his relatives.

The decision to rename the buildings and roads was made during the 22nd Apex Committee meeting chaired by Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah.

It was resolved that those who were against the state didn’t deserve any kind of honor or memorial.

During the meeting, the chief minister informed the delegates that the cabinet had already taken the decision to rename the identified buildings, public parks, flyovers and roads. The committee directed the chief secretary to ensure implementation of the decision.

The sites to be renamed include Afza Park, Afza Flyover, Nazeer Hussain University, Nazeer Hussain Hospital and Mufti Ramzan Park.

On the other hand, Dr. Farooq Sattar, head of the MQM’s splinter party, has opposed the decision and said the move would eventually benefit the London-based group as the group will politicize the issue.

Moreover, the delegates during the apex committee meeting were informed about the introduction of standard registration number plates with security features. The motorcycles would have clear number plates installed on their front and rear sides.

The apex committee also decided to launch targeted operation against criminals and dacoits in the katcha area. The preparation of the operation would be started and the concerned agencies would deem fit they would start it.

The chief minister decided to revive border force. The force was created with 1000 constables in 2006 and later merged into the police department. The revival would not affect the merger but deployment of policemen with the support of Rangers would be. The chief minister directed IG police to provide them logistic support and other necessary facilities.

Those who attended the meeting include provincial ministers, Sohail Anwar Siyal, Syed Nasir Shah, Ziaul Hassan Lanjar, chief secretary, Corps Commander Karachi, Chief Secretary Rizwan Memon, DG Rangers Major General Mohammad Saeed, Principal Secretary to CM Sohail Rajput, AG Sindh Zameer Ghumro, Home Secretary Qazi Shahid Pervez, IGP Sindh AD Khowaja, Director FIA Muneer Shaikh, acting PG Saleem Burero, provincial heads of intelligence agencies and other concerned officers.