Khursheed Shah retracts 'Mohajir' statement

KARACHI: Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Syed Khursheed Shah backtracked on an earlier statement where he likened the word ‘Mohajir’ (immigrant) to an abuse on Friday.



Shah had earlier told journalists while reviewing the arrangements of the 18th October rally in Karachi, that he considers the word ‘Mohajir’ to be an abuse, adding that a Mohajir is one who is living in a temporary state in a tent. Shah also said that the Mohajirs will not be sent back to India and they should stop using the word to identify themselves.

MQM reaction

The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) that identifies itself as the representative party of the Mohajirs reacted to the statement with a press conference demanding that Shah immediately retract his statement and apologize to the entire Mohajir community.

MQM’s Haider Abbas Rizvi explained in his press conference the difference between Mohajir (immigrant) and a refugee.

I am a Mohajir



Minutes after the MQM press conference ended, Khurshid Shah told journalists that he did not mean to upset anyone adding that he too is a Mohajir and his forefathers migrated to the region centuries ago.

He apologized if his statement hurt anyone’s sentiments and clarified that his intention was not to offend anyone.