KARACHI: Sindh Rangers on Monday night initiated action against Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), for allegedly inciting violence in the metropolis.
The paramilitary forces raided party headquarters Nine Zero, took senior party leaders into custody and sealed MQM offices there.
Rangers’ Brigadier Khurram, while briefing media about the operation in the wee hours of Tuesday, confirmed that MQM’s office, Khursheed Memorial Hall and party's media department has been sealed.
He said the paramilitary force also recovered weapons from Nine Zero, which will be sent for forensic tests.
The Rangers officer further said that the operation on MQM headquarters was carried out in accordance with law.
What we know so far
Dr Farooq Sattar, Khawaja Izhar, Dr Amir Liaquat taken into custody by Rangers
Rangers raid MQM headquarters
Nine Zero, MQM chief's residence and party's media cell sealed
MQM website blocked soon after late-night raid
PM Nawaz Sharif calls high-level meeting on Tuesday to discuss Karachi'ssituation
The action followed after violent protesters attacked an ARY News office in the Saddar area of the metropolis, which resulted in clashes between police and the angry mob — killing one person and injuring several others.
Police and sections of the media alleged that MQM workers had carried out the attack after receiving directives in a speech by MQM Chief Altaf Hussain.
In custody
MQM leaders Dr Farooq Sattar and Khawaja Izharul Hasan were among the first to be taken into custody while they were trying to address the media outside Karachi Press Club.
The two leaders had gathered to address the media in connection to the attack on ARY News, however, as they were about to start the press conference, Rangers officials arrived at the site and asked both the leaders to come to Rangers headquarters.
Sattar attempted to resist being taken into custody but was eventually convinced to follow orders. Khawaja Izhar also accompanied him to the Rangers headquarters. DawnNews reported that Rangers officials informed the MQM leaders that DG Rangers Major General Bilal Akbar wanted to see them.