Security provided to MQM-Pakistan’s federal ministers, lawmakers, and senior leaders has been suddenly withdrawn by the Sindh government, triggering political tension in the province.
The move comes after strong criticism by MQM leaders over the Gul Plaza tragedy and the Pakistan Peoples Party, prompting concern within the party and leading to the announcement of an emergency press conference later today.
Reports said that security has been withdrawn from Federal Ministers Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Mustafa Kamal, Dr. Farooq Sattar, and Anis Qaimkhani.
According to reports, security has also been withdrawn from MQM-Pakistan’s Opposition Leader in the Sindh Assembly, Ali Khurshidi. MQM members of the assembly and senior leaders have expressed serious concern over the matter.
In response, MQM-Pakistan has called an important press conference today at 4:00 PM, where major announcements and a future strategy are expected.
Regarding the Gul Plaza tragedy, Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori strongly criticized the Sindh government, saying that if politics is to be played, he is ready for it, but answers must first be given for the 88 deaths. He added that several victims’ bodies have still not been recovered, and there is no trace of the remains of others.
The governor questioned what caused the fire, why access to the building was not gained, and where the people who were supposed to break open the doors were.
He said that while a 47-year-old lease was recovered, the cause of the fire could still not be determined. He warned that threats should not be issued, and instead those in authority should reflect on their own actions.
