When everything appeared to have fallen in place for the long-anticipated release of Mohajir Qaumi Movement-Haqiqi (MQM-H) chief Afaq Ahmed, the government spoiled the mood of a large number of party sympathisers, who had gathered outside the Malir District Jail to welcome their leader, by detaining the MQM-H chairman for one month under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) ordinance as ‘his release would create a law and order situation in the city’.
On September 26, the Sindh High Court (SHC) had granted Ahmed’s bail in the Atiqur Rehman murder case but he could not be released on Tuesday due to non-submission of Rs 1 million surety bond. The MQM-H chairman was transferred from the Central Prison Karachi to Malir District Jail for his release. After completing the necessary legal formalities on Wednesday, when the MQM-H leadership and supporters arrived at the prison anticipating the freedom of their leader, the jail authorities told them that the Sindh Home Department had blocked Ahmed’s release under the MPO act.
On being informed of the government’s decision, the party workers started exchanging hot words with the law enforcers present at the spot and a brief scuffle broke out. The enraged crowd pelted the law enforcers and their vehicles with stones but later dispersed peacefully on the request from MQM-H leaders. In a late night development, the MQM-H decided to file a petition in the Sindh High Court (SHC) on Thursday (today) for withdrawing the MPO.
Talking with Pakistan Today, MQM-H Vice Chairman Shamshad Ghauri claimed that the Sindh governor had asked the home minister to put off Ahmed’s release under the MPO. “The government has enforced the MPO to appease its coalition partners on the sidelines.”
He also alleged that Muttahida Qaumi Movement chief Altaf Hussain had called President Asif Ali Zardari and requested him to do something to stop Ahmed’s release.
He said this is only an excuse as target killers are killing innocent people, extortionists are collecting money and bodies are being found in gunny bags despite surgical operations by Pakistan Rangers, Sindh. Ghauri said the MQM-H had written letters to all Senior Superintendents of Police (SSP), Pakistan Rangers and Corps Commander Karachi asking for security on the eve of Ahmed’s release but none of them responded. “Last night I also called SSP (East) Ahsan Umar to ask for security during transfer of Afaq from central to Landhi jail, but he also did not attend my call.”
To a question about provincial government’s offer to send the MQM-H chief abroad with his family, Ghauri replied that the government may have contacted Ahmed but he could not confirm it as the jail authorities do not allow them to see their leader.
Heartbreak for Haqiqi as govt spoils party
