Altaf Hussain issues appeal to end 'peaceful protests'

LONDON: Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Altaf Hussain Thursday appealed to the people across the country to stop ‘peaceful protests’ against ‘biased and discriminatory’ statement issued by Senior Minister of Sindh Dr. Zulfiqar Mirza, Geo News reported.

According to a statement issued by MQM, the party Chief Altaf Hussain has made an appeal in earnest to the people to suspend the ‘peaceful protests’ in view of the critical situation prevalent in the country.

“The peaceful protests be stopped against the use of biased and discriminatory language against the successors of the founders of Pakistan, he said.”

Altaf Hussain said the ‘Haq Parast’ people throughout the country have registered their protest against the use of uncalled for language ‘against the successors of the founders of Pakistan’. “Therefore, I earnestly appeal to the people to suspend their protest and immediately go back to their homes,” he added.

He said the Haq Parast people of Pakistan expressed their shock and grief and demonstrated exemplary unity by registering protest against the ‘discriminatory, fascist and venomous language and attitude’. These Pakistanis deserve a glowing tribute, he added.

Soon after the appeal issued by the MQM Altaf Hussain businesses and shops began to reopen in various parts of the metropolis which throughout the day gave a completely deserted look.

Violence erupted across Karachi last night immediately after the Senior Sindh Minister Dr. Zulfiqar Mirza in his typical rumbling tone used harsh words against the MQM Chief Altaf Hussain.

Fourteen people were killed in separate incidents of violence while 19 others sustained injuries. Dozens of vehicles were torched including busses, trailers, cars and rikshaws while many shops and roadside stalls were also set ablaze.