MQM stages walkout in NA over Karachi, Quetta situation

KARACHI: Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) staged walkout from the National Assembly (NA) over worsening law and order situation in Karachi and Quetta, Geo News reported. At least 30 people have been killed in less than 48 hours in Karachi.

MQM members protested when Pakistan People's Party (PPP) lawmaker Abdul Qadir Patel said that MQM Haqiqi is also a reality of Karachi adding that a large number of their activists have been killed. This statement invited the anger of MQM parliamentarians.

As the proceedings began MQM lawmakers left the house saying they were promised that Karachi and Quetta situations would be debated in the session, later Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) members persuaded them back.

MQM's Haider Abbas warned that if Karachi problem was not resolved in 48 hours the government would be responsible for the consequences. PML-N's Rana Tanveer noted that the authorities concerned not seemed interested in resolving the matter.

Pakistan People's Party-Sherpao (PPP-S) Chief Aftab Sherpao called for forming a parliamentary committee to probe Karachi crisis.

Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani in his speech said we are ourselves migrants how come we don't respect them. Later, the house was adjourned till tomorrow.