MQM mourns party worker's 'extra-judicial killing'

The party had announced yesterday that it would mark a peaceful day of mourning instead of agitation and a strike.

All business and commercial hubs as well as educational institutions in Karachi are open and transport is running on the streets of the metropolis as per normal routine.

MQM had announced that gatherings and Quranic recitations will be held for the deceased. Black flags will be hoisted across Karachi and the country, the party statement said.

The party had appealed President Mamnoon Hussain, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Army Chief General Raheel Sharif, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan and Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah for the release of all those held in the custody of the law enforcement agencies and to arrest those responsible for the death of Aftab Ahmed in custody.

It should be noted that MQM had claimed that the coordinator of their senior leader Farooq Sattar died in the custody of Rangers. They had also demanded formation of a medical board to probe the cause of Ahmed’s death.

Pakistan Rangers Sindh spokesperson has said in a statement that the suspect died of heart failure at a hospital.

Aftab Ahmed’s last rites were held at Karachi’s Numaish roundabout on Tuesday.

Ahmed was detained by law enforcers during a raid near MQM headquarters Nine Zero on Sunday evening. He was presented before a judge of the anti-terrorism court on Monday along with seven other suspects.

Rangers had informed the ATC judge about 90-day detention of seven suspects, including Aftab Ahmed, for interrogation.