A leftist organisation namely Awami Jamhoori Forum (AJF), expressing serious concern over the security situation in Karachi, said there were no “holy cows” in democracy including the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM). The AJF demanded all political elements including MQM, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), Awami National Party (ANP) and nationalist parties existing in Sindh, especially Karachi, show some tolerance.
AJF Secretary General Jamil Omar and Finance Secretary Shazia Khan expressed concern over continuing violence in Karachi following the recent tug of war between the PPP and MQM leadership. Jamil said responding to verbal criticism by burning and killing was a fascist tactic and hence against the political ethics and democratic norms. He suggested that PPP and MQM practice political patience to save lives in future.
He said all political parties must work together to promote a democratic culture and be willing to accept criticism and tolerate opponents’ right to express their views.Jamil praised Zulfiqar Mirza on apologising over his statement against the MQM’s self-exiled leader Altaf Hussain and expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the recent mass-killing wave in Karachi.
Shazia condemned the MQM Lahore activists’ aggression and misbehaviour with journalists during protests in front of the Lahore Press Club and urged the MQM leadership to advise its activists to maintain peace. Earlier, the MQM Lahore Zone activists had observed a protest demonstration against the recent Karachi killings and Zulfiqar Mirza’s remarks about Altaf Hussain.
They chanted slogans against the government and burnt tyres near the journalists’vehicles.