Dismayed over a lukewarm response of the PPP-led Sindh government, the Sindhi-speaking employees of Karachi Water & Sewerage Board (KW&SB) have sought the help of armed forces against what they alleged “MQM’s activists” threatening them to leave the city and their job at the utility.
Also, they nominated in advance what they claimed was a Unit Incharge of the MQM, Azeem, and “other members” of KW&SB in the “case” if anything harmful happens to them in future.
The MQM, however, rejects outright the allegation saying no matter what their political affiliation was the law should take its course against those involved.
“Quit this city and offices of KW&SB immediately and go back to your own villages/towns because you all have no domicile of Karachi,” reads a letter written to Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah by “All Sindhi speaking officials, officers and engineers of KW&SB”.
Available with Pakistan Today, the letter alleged Azeem of having threatened “a few days ago” the Board’s Sindh-speaking employees. In case of non-compliance, the accused threatened them of “bad consequences after the Muharram”.
Citing newspaper reports, the KW&SB employees also accused the “said activists” of roughing up Sub-Inspector Saddruddin Bhutto of Korangi Town (Revenue) Office. “Similarly, the culprits threatened Divisional Accounts Officer Korangi Town, KW&SB Mr Mir Hassan Mangi,” the letter claims.
Further, it alleged, Assistant Director Muhammad Qasim Magsi was also manhandled on November 12 by “about 15 persons” in the office of Deputy Director (Taxes), Malir Town.
“It has been clearly stated in different newspapers, their affiliation with well known party of Pakistan (MQM) Muttahida Qaumi Movement,” the letter reads.
The Sindhi-speakers complained of inaction on the part of Sindh government and the Board’s management saying the two were yet to take “any action” against the culprits in this instant matter.
“In such circumstances, we need the help from Sindh government, Pakistan Army and Pakistan Rangers to protect our lives and jobs,” the letter says.
“This appeal kept on record, if any occurrence may happen in future then case will be registered against the aforesaid activists,” it adds.
The complainants want the accused to be dealt with under KW&SB Employees (Efficiency and Discipline) Rules 1987.
The letter has been copied to the Director General Rangers, registrars of supreme and high courts, chief minister, chief secretary, home secretary, ministers and secretary local government, IG, DIG and SSP East and MD and chairman of KW&SB.
MQM’s parliamentary leader in Sindh Assembly Faisal Sabzwari disowned the accused on the floor of the house in Monday’s sitting saying the matter be probed into and if proved guilty the accused be dealt with legally.
