Khawaja Izhar is called the leader of target-killers: Rao Anwar

KARACHI: SSP Malir Rao Anwar, after arresting Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) leader Khawaja Izharul Hasan from his residence in Karachi earlier today, said that seeking the permission of the Speaker was not necessary to arrest a member of parliament.

He said that leader of opposition in Sindh Assembly cannot be released without court orders.

Speaking to reporters outside his office in Karachi, he said that arrest was not carried out over anyone’s directions.

"He had FIRs lodged against him that’s why we had arrested him." 

Refuting the PM’s claim that Speaker’s permission was required to arrest a member of parliament, he said that it was not necessary.

“Speaker only needs to be informed about such arrest.”

While justifying Izhar’s arrest, he said that action against him was wrong. He also claimed that Khawaja Izhar is known as the 'leader of target killers'.

“Whatever I have done is completely lawful. There will be side-effects of my suspension”, said Rao Anwar.

He said that crime in Karachi would increase if police were stopped from taking such actions.

Police earlier arrested MQM Pakistan leader Khawaja Izhar ul Hasan, only to release him about five hours later.

Izhar was handcuffed and taken away by SSP Malir Rao Anwar in an Armoured Personnel Vehicle (APV).

Television footage available with Geo News showed MQM Pakistan chairman Farooq Sattar trying to shove away policemen who dragged away Khawaja Izhar.

Earlier Khawaja Izhar's residence in Buffer Zone area was raided by policemen in plainclothes.

MQM Pakistan leaders Farooq Sattar and Rehan Hashmi visited his house after the raid.

Speaking to media outside Khawaja Izhar's residence Farooq Sattar condemned how the parliamentarian was taken away without an arrest warrant. "This is undemocratic behaviour."