MQM-P to hold rally in Karachi despite not being permitted

KARACHI: Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) has announced going ahead with its rally against provisional census results in Karachi on Sunday, despite not being given permission by the authorities.

"The provincial government has denied us permission to hold rally on November 5. We have been clearly told that two rallies cannot be simultaneously held in the city's East district," MQM-P chief Farooq Sattar said at a press conference here.

He said the party was informed only two days ago that it cannot be permitted, despite the fact the administration was apprised of it two weeks ago.

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"GDA's rally is against corruption, ours is against census results, which is feared to lose its effectiveness if delayed," Sattar said, lamenting their banners and party flags were also being removed from the city's thoroughfares.

The Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA) has also announced holding a rally against corruption in Karachi's East district on the same day.

The MQM-P chief said it is necessary for his party to hold the rally and denying permission for that is "yet another injustice to us."

"We will hold the rally on November 5 at Mazar-e-Quaid, Shahrah-e-Quaideen or Liaquatabad no. 10 Interchange, whichever venue would be available," he announced.

Money laundering case

He said none of his party members has been nominated in the money laundering investigations against the MQM by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).

Sattar, however, admitted that Deputy Mayor Karachi Arshad Vohra, Khawaja Sohail Mansoor, Khawaja Rehan Mansoor, former senator Ahmed Ali and Rauf Siddiqui have been approached by the agency pertaining to the investigations.

"I also received a letter addressed to the MQM president, regarding the money laundering case," he said, adding it remains unclear as to which MQM president the FIA seeks to question.

The party chief said he could guarantee that no money has been laundered after August 23 separation between Pakistan and London factions of the MQM. "However, if any money was laundered prior to August 22, then it was not in my knowledge."

"Even Arshad Vohra isn't involved in laundering money and the allegations against him are false," he said.

Sarfraz Merchant's allegations

Responding to Sarfraz Merchant's allegations, he said the allegations against him are "baseless."

"I reject the allegations of having been in direct or indirect contact with the MQM founder or other members of the London-based group," Sattar said. "I also denied the allegation of making assets worth billions of rupees against Amir Khan."

He alleged Merchant of having a key role in crime and every illegal activity in the metropolis.

The MQM-P requested the Supreme Court to take suo moto notice of the activities of the "central character of money laundering."

"Merchant has been at the center of every illegal activity [in Karachi] and it should be investigated," he claimed.

"Becoming approver won't fulfill requirements for justice," Sattar added.