Condemnations pour in over Ali Raza Abidi’s assassination

KARACHI: The assassination of former lawmaker and Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) leader Ali Raza Abidi led to the widespread pouring of condolences and condemnations over the brutal incident.

Abidi was gunned down on Tuesday in Karachi’s DHA area. Unknown men opened fire on the former lawmaker when he came out of his car which was parked outside his residence.

The news sent waves of shock among politicians and the general public alike, who were quick to condemn the killing and offer condolences to the bereaved family.

'Well-mannered, educated'

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb condemned the incident and demanded a high-level inquiry should be made to arrest the culprits.

“Ali Raza Abidi was a well-mannered, educated political worker and parliamentarian who presented his point of view with great conviction and logic,” she said.

PPP chair condemns killing, demands culprits' arrest

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto extended condolence to the bereaved family, while strongly condemning the incident.

“Ali Raza Abidi’s killing is a conspiracy to disrupt Karachi’s peace and law and order situation in the country,” Bilawal Bhutto said.

“The real culprits behind Abidi’s killing should be arrested,” he said.

'Abidi was like my children'

Former MQM-P leader Farooq Sattar while condemning the killing, said that Abidi was not only Karachi but an asset for Pakistan.

“Four days ago, received news that Abidi’s life is in danger… This was a targeted killing and it is cowardice that they attacked from the behind,” he said.

"Ali Raza Abidi was like my children; I have no words to express my emotions," he added.

"How will we show our faces to his children? Till when will we continue to receive dead bodies?"

'Attempt to disrupt peace'

Pak Sarzameen Party (PSP) chief Mustafa Kamal, whose party lost two workers to fire attack on Monday, said Ali Raza Abidi’s killing was a huge tragedy.

“It is an attempt to disrupt peace again of the city,” he said.

PPP leader Sharmila Faruqi also offered condolence and expressed views on social media platform Twitter.

Social activist and humanitarian Ansar Burni also shared his views.

Politicians and others also expressed their sorrow over Abidi's killing.

Journalist fraternity, who often had interactions with the late politician, could not suppress their grief.

Social activist Jibran Nasir also remembers Ali Raza Abidi.

Internet and tech activist Nighat Dad also wrote of the shock at Abidi's assassination.