During an election campaign in Karachi’s Nazimabad on Sunday, a clash between MQM-P and PPP resulted in the death of a 40-year-old MQM-P worker named Faraz Ahmed Qureshi, while a 22-year-old PPP worker, Rao M Talha, sustained a bullet injury, as reported by Gulbahar Police Station House Officer Shabbir Hussain. The incident unfolded outside the MQM-P office when a PPP rally passed through the area, with workers from both parties exchanging slogans before escalating into a physical altercation and subsequent gunfire.
Following the shooting, a mob gathered, vandalizing and setting fire to two Toyota Vigos belonging to PPP workers. Police Surgeon Dr. Summaiya Syed confirmed Qureshi’s death due to a gunshot to the head, and Talha’s left arm bore a bullet injury.
West Deputy Inspector General Asim Qaimkhani raised concerns about political parties passing their rallies through opposing party offices and emphasized the need for political leaders to avoid such situations. He warned of “effective action” against carrying weapons during rallies, stating that no party had permission to display or carry arms.
Both sides accusing each other
Mustafa Kamal, a leader of MQM-P, held PPP’s Asim Hussain responsible for the attack during a press conference. Kamal claimed that PPP workers removed MQM-P flags, leading to a physical altercation. He alleged that armed PPP workers returned later, orchestrated by Dr. Asim Hussain, resulting in the death of Qureshi. Kamal warned that if the state failed to protect MQM-P, they would take matters into their own hands.
In response, PPP leader Saeed Ghani claimed that MQM-P workers engaged in acts of terrorism by removing wall chalkings and flags. Ghani asserted that PPP banners and flags were burnt in North Nazimabad, and MQM-P “terrorists” attacked a party meeting, threatening PPP workers. He accused MQM-P of torturing the son of a KMC council member and tearing flags in various areas.
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The incident occurred in the context of heightened political activity ahead of the February 8 elections, with clashes between party workers and unidentified individuals, leading to two vehicles being set on fire. The police emphasized the ongoing investigation and urged political parties to demonstrate tolerance, emphasizing that such incidents do not benefit anyone.