Muhajir Qaumi Movement-Haqiqi (MQM-H) Chairman Afaq Ahmed has decided not to hold a rally in Karachi due to the arrest of over 80 workers.

During the recent press conference, he said he wants to prevent any issues or troubles for the public.

Ahmed instructed party workers not to proceed towards District Central, citing the government’s imposition of Section 144 as a reaction to the MQM’s potential public response.

He highlighted that the citizens are victims of the Pakistan Peoples Party’s (PPP) corruption and called for protests against this injustice.

He mentioned his engagement with local traders who supported his stance and noted his visits to Swati Mohalla and Buner, emphasizing that this movement is not a temporary one.

Ahmed shared that he had “sleepless nights due to the ongoing visits from people seeking help.”

He criticized the perception that his demands are causing ethnic issues, referencing a recent meeting in Bahadurabad with the President of the Awami National Party (ANP) in Sindh, Shahi Sayed, where Syed spoke of friendship between Muhajirs and Pashtuns.

Ahmed pointed out that while he raised concerns about dumper trucks, the real issue is the education of his community, citing that 67 students failed their intermediate exams.

He condemned the government for handing over control of the city to various mafias, stating that dumpers do not discriminate between ethnicities when causing accidents.

After his release from jail, he was the first to visit Pashtun areas (mostly KP and Balochistan), but his efforts were misrepresented as ethnically motivated.

Ahmed clarified that his legal team includes representatives from all ethnic backgrounds, and he criticized the imposition of Section 144 in the district as “a tactic to intimidate.”

“I am frustrated over being labeled as engaging in ethnic politics by Khalid Maqbool [MQM Chairman, Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui],” he said.

He stated he does not have ties to anti-state elements or any connection to MQM founder Altaf Hussain.

Ahmed urged that “those who come out to earn a living are martyrs, and despite the public’s negative perception of MQM, they cannot act without the will of those who elected them.”

He contrasted the treatment of individuals protesting, mentioning that while figures like Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman can protest freely, however, he faced restrictions.

The chairman criticised the government for providing facilities to those drinking illicit alcohol while neglecting the victims of local tragedies.

Ahmed called for immediate aid for those affected by accidents, similar to the support offered in Iran, questioning what assistance is provided to the victims in Karachi.

“I want to prevent any issues for the public and communicate a message to all party workers, instructing them not to go to District Central.”

He stated he would remain outside his home to meet with those who come to see him, ensuring that their protest is recorded without seeking confrontation.

Ahmed called for an emergency press conference at his residence at 11am on Saturday (today).

Major Crackdown

A major crackdown was launched by police and law enforcement agencies across Karachi just hours before a scheduled protest rally by a political party, which was set to address concerns over dumper truck accidents.**

The operation led to the arrest of over two dozen political workers from various areas, including Malir, Saudabad, Landhi, Korangi, Shah Faisal Colony, and Lines Area.

The arrested individuals were reportedly moved to undisclosed locations.

The crackdown occurred in the lead-up to a rally planned by the political party, where protestors had intended to gather to raise awareness about the ongoing issues with dumper truck-related accidents in the city.

Police sources indicate that the raids were aimed at preventing any potential unrest, with several arrests being made during early morning operations.

Section 144 imposed and rally permission denied

The Karachi Commissioner issued a notification imposing Section 144 in the Central District, forbidding any gatherings for one day.

The authorities cited concerns over the potential for clashes at the proposed rally site at UP More.

With the rally denied permission, the local administration took steps to curb any further escalation.

Afaq Ahmed’s video

In a video message earlier, Ahmed accused the state of using force to suppress peaceful protests.

He clarified that the demonstration was intended to be non-violent and had involved a call for unity from all ethnic groups in Karachi.

He stated:

“Due to the corruption of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), the city is on the brink of destruction, and this situation is affecting all its residents, regardless of their ethnicity. My call was for a peaceful protest with a white flag.”

The political leader further accused the PPP and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P) of conspiring together to divert the public’s attention from real issues.

He stated that the two parties were engaged in a “staged drama” to manipulate the public’s focus.

Ahmed concluded by asserting that Karachi would prove it is not a city of submission but one of pride and strength.

While acknowledging the challenges faced by the country, he emphasized that the protest would remain peaceful, with the ultimate goal of uniting people in the face of political instability.

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