KARACHI: The strike call of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) seems to be ‘ineffective’ as the Rangers have started to nab the ‘peaceful protesters’ and advised the traders to keep their business open.
MQM announced a peaceful shutter-down strike today against Ranger’s raid at senior leader Dr. Farooq Sattar’s house.
Following the action, the MQM’s Coordination Committee decided to lodge ‘peaceful protests’ across Sindh including Karachi.
The Committee appealed the traders to keep their business activities at a standstill and transport off roads.
On the other side, DG Rangers Sindh, Major General Bilal Akbar said no strike will be observed in Karachi.
“No one will be allowed to disturb the peace, he said, “Rangers will provide protection to the transporters bringing their public vehicles on roads.”
DG Rangers also advised the traders to keep their businesses open today.
“If anyone tries to forcibly shut the shops, we will take strict actions,” he said.
Condemning the Rangers raid at his house, Farooq Sattar said Karachi Operation is being conducted against MQM exclusively.
He said that MQM leaders and activists are also Pakistani citizens then why paramilitary forces are treating them like this.
He said that it was an unannounced raid and he deserved better treatment after 30 years of his politics.
The MQM leader remarked he himself would have allowed the search of his house, had DG Rangers told him about the intelligence regarding the presence of certain criminal.
It should be mentioned here that the paratroopers conducted an hour-long siege of senior leader Farooq Sattar’s residence in Karachi on Tuesday.
