Farooq Sattar says PM has assured MQM investigation of Saulat Mirza’s ‘confessional’ video
A Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) delegation called on Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Friday to share its concerns regarding the Karachi operation. During the meeting, the premier assured MQM that the Karachi operation was not aimed at a particular political party, while MQM leader Farooq Sattar told reporters that Prime Minister Sharif had promised to investigate the matter of Saulat Mirza’s ‘confessional’ video recording.
Answering MQM’s concerns on how a death-row prisoner’s video statement was recorded in prison and then leaked to media, the premier said he will look into the matter and provide details, Farooq Sattar said.
“The prime minister has assured us that he will look into how recording a video was possible after a black warrant had been issued and will let us know the details,” said Sattar. He went on to say that “no criminals were arrested from Nine Zero during the Rangers raid, as has been portrayed so far,” and that “wanted criminals were arrested from adjoining areas”.
“Almost 3,000 visitors come to Nine Zero everyday; we can’t exactly be held responsible for them,” he said.
Sattar said during the meeting, his party openly laid out its reservations and concerns in the aftermath of the Rangers’ raid at its headquarters in Karachi on March 11. He said MQM was facing a media trial following the widely televised raid at Nine Zero. “A false perception is being created that MQM harbours criminals,” he said.
“Our workers are being treated and presented as convicts in media, while so far nothing has been proved. The treatment meted out to Amir Khan and others reeks of partiality.”
The raid at Altaf Hussain’s sister’s house was also condemned by Sattar, who said the act of ransacking a 70-year-old woman’s home was uncalled for.
All these points were brought to the premier’s notice, said Sattar.
In an official statement from the PM House, Nawaz Sharif said the Karachi operation was not aimed at any particular political party. He said the government is not pursuing a policy of confrontation.
The PM went on to say that all political parties should sincerely collaborate to rid Karachi of violent elements. He said law enforcement agencies have been directed to carry out impartial operations in the city.