Dr Aamir Liaquat released from Rangers custody, says meeting was friendly

KARACHI: Famous television figure Dr Aamir Liaquat has been released by Rangers after overnight detention in paramilitary custody.

Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) leader Dr Aamir Liaquat Hussain on Tuesday said that his meeting with DG Rangers was friendly. "I was served tea and biscuits," he said speaking to Geo News.

Rangers personnel detained Liaquat on Monday after MQM workers in Karachi turned to violence after being incited by their party chief to surround the offices of Geo News, Samaa and ARY in Karachi.

During his address, the MQM supremo reportedly made statements against Pakistan and urged activists to voice slogans against the country. At least one person was killed in the violence.

"I apologise over these incidents of violence," said Aamir Liaquat. He said that whoever was involved in the arson and vandalism must be brought to justice. The MQM leader also said that these events caused damage to the party.

Liaquat, however, said 'Long Live Pakistan’ in a tweet prior to his detention by Rangers personnel.

The workers also caused damage to shops located in Zainab market in the city's Saddar area forcing their closure. Traffic jams were witnessed in areas surrounding I.I.Chundrigar road, while the road leading to CM House was also blocked.

The sudden unrest in the city prompted Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to direct authorities for immediate arrest of all those involved in violence. He said that adequate security must be provided to journalists in Karachi.

Meanwhile, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif telephoned DG Rangers Sindh and directed to maintain law and order situation in Karachi. The Army chief said that those who caused the mayhem must be caught at all cost.

DG Rangers during the phone call assured General Raheel that stern action would be taken against the miscreants and their instigators.