- One dead as MQM workers attack ARY News Karachi office
Patriot Report
KARACHI: Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) workers on Monday evening attacked the office of ARY News channel in Karachi. The move came after MQM Chief Altaf Hussain made an anti-Pakistan speech and urged workers to attack the offices of media outlets.
MQM had earlier announced holding protests in front of SAMAA, Geo News and ARY News against “lack of coverage of the party’s hunger strike” at press club.
Angry MQM protesters surrounded the channel’s office at Madina Mall and tried to barge into the building. They broke the channel’s entry gate and assaulted media workers.
Aerial firing was also carried out in the area whereas two people were initially reported injured because of stampede. One of the injured, named Mohammad Ayub, succumbed to his wounds later on in the hospital. Contingent of Rangers was called in to handle the situation at Madina Mall. The demonstrators also burned a number of vehicles belonging to police.
Prime Minister condemns attack:
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif condemned the attack and directed the related officials to ensure the safety of life and property of the people and the media houses. He directed that action needs to be taken against the extremist elements behind spreading the unrest. Federal Minister of Information Pervaiz Rashid also condemned the attack.
DG Rangers vows strict action:
Rangers Director General (DG) Major General Bilal Akbar while commenting upon the situation, stated that the entire incident was being overviewed, adding that action shall be taken against those behind spreading the unrest. In a statement issued by the paramilitary forces, DG Rangers said, “Nobody will be allowed to disrupt peace of the city.”
Kamal lashes out at MQM Chief:
Former Karachi mayor and Pak Sarzameen Party (PSP) head Mustafa Kamal lashed out at MQM chief Altaf Hussain for “making provocative speeches at his party’s hunger strike” in Karachi. Addressing a hurriedly-called press conference, Kamal alleged that Altaf Hussain once again sought help from Indian intelligence agency RAW. He said that the MQM chief was trying to defame the country’s Mohajir community.
Imran, Bilawal denounce attack:
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chief Imran Khan and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also strongly condemned attack.
In his message on twitter, Imran Khan termed the attack shameful and condemnable, saying such deliberately instigated violence by any political leader is sheer criminal behaviour.
Separately, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also condemned the attack and termed it attack on freedom of press. “Freedom of speech is a fundamental human right in a democracy,” Bilawal said.
PFUJ condemns attack
Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) President Rana Azeem condemned the attack on the office of the private news channel in Karachi and stated that Monday was a dark day for Pakistan s journalism as the country s media came under attack.
CM Sindh calls IG Sindh:
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah telephoned Sindh Inspector General (IG) police AD Khawaja and directed to bring the situation under control at the earliest and to take action against those involved in firing.
