MQM-P calls off march to Martyrs' Monument

KARACHI: The Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) has called off its planned march to Yadgar-i-Shuhada (Martyrs’ Monument) in Azizabad, according to a party spokesperson.

MQM-P chief Dr Farooq Sattar had announced a day earlier that his party will stage a rally towards the monument in Azizabad.

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

Later, the party’s spokesperson said the march has been called off due to inevitable circumstances. However, he added, Dr Sattar along with members of the Coordination Committee will visit the Martyrs’ Monument.

Meanwhile, the police have blocked the road leading to the monument from Ayesha Manzil by placing containers.

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