Karachi Violence on 12 May: 5/6/07

Karachi still tense, daily life routine comes to standstill

The Karachi city has been tense on second consecutive day today (Sunday) as the death toll of yesterday’s violence in the metropolis mounted to 36, over 150 people were injured and over 75 vehicles were torched.

The daily life routine came to standstill almost across the city, the traffic remain suspended and almost all shops remained closed.

The bodies of the 36 victims were taken to JPMC, Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, Civil Hospital and Liaqat National Hospital. The injured were also admitted in various hospitals.

The police and Rangers were patrolling in the city. People came out in the streets in Patel Para, Lasbela, Ornagi Town, Banaras, Suhrab Goth and Super Highway.

The protesters pelted stones on police and set tires on fire.

CCPO Karachi Azhar Farooqi while talking to Geo News said that dozens of suspicious people have been arrested, however, he did give the exact figure of held people.

Ebad announces compensation for May 12 victims in Karachi

Singh Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad Khan has announced compensation of Rs300,000 each for families of those killed on May 12 violence and Rs50,000 each for people injured.

In a statement issued from Governor House, he expressed deep condolences to families over the killings of 30 persons killed in violent activities in the metropolis on May 12.

CJ Iftikhar lands in Islamabad, received warmly

Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry has landed in federal capital, after leaving Karachi without addressing a scheduled programme of Sindh High Court Bar Association (SHCBA).

Earlier, he had waited for eight hours accompanied with his lawyers in a lounge of Jinnah International Airport in Karachi, where he arrived to address a lawyers gathering organised by SHCBA. But he was not allowed to visit Sindh High Court, which was why he had left then for Islamabad via PIA flight PK-308.

On his arrival at the Islamabad airport, he was welcomed by lawyers and political activists, who chanted slogans in his favour and against the government. He was then taken to his residence in a white car, accompanied by a police squad, enroute Zero Point and F-7 sector, where he was warmly received by lawyers and political activists.

The chief justice seemed tired due to a hectic day and, when asked, he didn't answer the questions of journalists. Instead he went into his residence with one of his lawyers, Gohar Ali Khan.

ML-Q's political show-off lies in support for uniformed president: Quereshi

PPP-Punjab President Shah Mehmood Quereshi has said that PML-Q's so-called political show-off lies in powers of a uniformed president whereas PPP's political standing is not rooted in presidential reference against CJ Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry.

Addressing a press conference here Saturday, he said the government has failed to control the law and order situation in the country. He accused the government of May 12 Karachi violence as well.

He said PPP activists will offer funeral prayers in abstention on Sunday in different cities, of those killed in Karachi violence on May 12.

Quereshi said PPP's provincial body meeting has been called in Lahore where the current crisis will be discussed.

Current crisis is created to impose emergency in Pakistan: Fazl

JUI chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has argued Saturday against the government's decision to deport CJ Iftikhar's lawyers and not letting the chief justice enter into Karachi city.

Addressing his party activists in Lahore on phone, he argued how could situation in Karachi worsen on CJ's arrival if no such incident occurred elsewhere he addressed in the country.

He blamed the government for using state machinery and violating the law in such a crisis, which he claimed is created to impose a state of emergency in the country.

Nawaz demands Musharraf's resignation over Karachi violence

PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif held President Pervez Musharraf responsible for violence in Karachi over Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry's arrival. He demanded Musharraf to resign immediately.

Addressing a press conference here Saturday, he termed the loss of human lives on May 12 violence in Karachi a tragedy, saying such terrorists activities in Karachi were pre-planned, and that it has exposed the writ of "martial law".

Karachi violence death toll rises to 36

At least 36 people were killed, over 150 injured and dozens of vehicles were torched as a result of violence erupted on the occasion of visit of Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry to the metropolis on Saturday.

The incidents of exchange of firing among the activists of rival parties were reported in Shahra-e-Faisal near Drig Road, Kala Board, Banaras, Malir, PIA Colony, SITE area and other areas. The firing was also reported at Baloch Colony and Guru Mandar.

Advisor to the Chief Minister for Home Affairs Waseem Akhtar said that at least six activists of MQM were killed.

Three activists of MQM were killed in firing of unidentified assailants at Wireless Gate, said, MQM MPA Faisal Sabzwari.

An activist of Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) was killed in firing at Shahra-e-Faisal near Drig Road, the JI sources said.

Two people were killed in firing at Model Colony. The victims included Asghar Shah, Jahanzeb, Mir Khan and others.

All the main roads of the city are deserted and the communication at National Highway and railway traffic has also been suspended.

Meanwhile Governor Sindh Dr. Ishrat-ul-Ebad has appealed the activists of all political parties to remain peaceful and avoid any clash.

On the other hand the PIA has announced to reschedule its flights due to unprecedented violence the city.

The Rangers have taken control in the city. The Rangers contigents have also been called in Hyderabad.

MQM PEACEFUL RALLY BEGINS

Participents of the MQM Peaceful Rally listening Mr. Altaf Hussain's telephonic address

MQM WILL OBSERVE DAY OF MOURNING ON SUNDAY ALL OVER THE COUNTRY

The MQM Co-ordination Committee has announced that MQM will observe a day of mourning all over the country on Sunday to mourn the martyrs who were killed during the firing on the MQM’s peaceful rally by the armed terrorists. On the day of mourning the Quran Khawani and Fatiha Khawani will be offered for the martyrs of MQM. The MQM Co-ordination Committee has appealed to the workers and supporters to offer the Quran Khawani and Fatiha Khawani for the martyrs of MQM on the day of mourning.

THE KILLERS OF INNOCENT PEOPLE OF KARACHI

THE COLD BLOODED MURDERERS AND HENCHMEN BELONGING TO THE AWAMI NATIONAL PARTY (ANP),
PANJABI PAKHTOON ITTEHAD (PPI) AND PAKISTAN MUSLIM LEAGUE (NAWAZ SHARIF GROUP)
ARE VIVIDLY SEEN CARRYING SOPHISTICATED AUTOMATIC WEAPONS INCLUDING PISTOLS AND AK-47
WHILE THEIR ACT OF MINDLESS FIRING COULD ALSO BE SEEN WHEN YOU CLICK FOR MORE PHOTOGRAPHS.
ANP WORKERS ARE WEARING THEIR PARTY BADGES AS SEEN IN THE PHOTOGRAPHS.
SATURDAY 12th MAY, 2007

PST: 6:00 pm

Report of sustained firing is being received from several areas of Karachi most prominent being the affluent area of Muslim Colony in PECHS where 400 to 500 Pakhtoons belonging to Awami National Party (ANP), Drug and Land Mafia as well as belonging to MMA, Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians

CHIEF JUSTICE SUPREME COURT IFTIKHAR MUHAMMAD CHAUDHRY SHOULD SEEK

CHIEF JUSTICE SUPREME COURT IFTIKHAR MUHAMMAD CHAUDHRY SHOULD SEEK
NATION’S FORGIVENESS FOR BREAKING HIS CONSTITUTIONAL OATH AND
TAKING THE OATH UNDER THE PCO – ALTAF HUSSAIN

The MQM Founder & Leader Mr Altaf Hussain has appealed to the Chief Justice that for God’s sake look around at the political jugglers surrounding him and not to get involved in politics by following their advice. He reminded that the position of Chief Justice is sacrosanct and the MQM was the first one to condemn the highhandedness against him. The political jugglers and their violent elements around the Chief Justice have today taken full advantage of the situation and organised the bloodbath of innocent people.

Addressing the participants of the rally Mr Hussain said, “I appeal to the people of Pakistan in general and of Sindh in particular that for the independence and autonomy of judiciary, the MQM is taking out a peaceful rally on 12th May and that they should participate in large numbers”.

He said that the MQM workers and supporters have worked hard to organise the peaceful rally. Since yesterday evening smaller rallies were out on the streets of Karachi and started their journey from the interior Sindh and this peaceful process continued until 12 noon today. Not a single incident of violence was reported from any part of the city. At 12 noon, after the arrival of the Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, through a well-planned conspiracy indiscriminate firing commenced directly upon the peaceful innocent participants of the rally. In jealousy of the on-going developmental projects in the city the conspiring elements planned to disturb the law and order situation. He said that today more than a dozen MQM workers have been ruthlessly killed and hundreds who were injured are fighting for their lives in local hospitals.

He warned that if the conspiring elements think that by opening indiscriminate fire upon the innocent MQM workers and killing them ruthlessly they can suppress the righteous struggle of the MQM then I would like to tell them for 30 years of MQM history, it has faced State operations, thousands of its workers have been extra-judicially murdered, unlawfully arrested, tortured and compelled to go into exile; but they remained determined and through all these testing times the MQM got stronger and stronger. He said that we are heartbroken today. On the one hand, the natural psycho-reactionary action of the workers is to get agitated but I appeal to my courageous workers to remain peaceful and observe patience and tolerance. He reiterated that the MQM is a peaceful movement and we want peace and the Allah Almighty also supports those who observe patience and tolerance.

Mr Hussain announced that the MQM has never preached violence and shall never do so in the future. He said that we do not believe in any sort of violence and MQM is against all sorts of terrorism and extremism whether it is religious, ethnic, provincial, cultural or political. The MQM has always used peaceful means to further the cause of its struggle. The MQM has proactively struggled to develop religious harmony amongst different religions and sects in the country. MQM believes that people of all religions living in Pakistan are its equal citizens.

Mr Hussain said that every religion and particularly Islam has forbidden shedding of innocent blood as the murder of one person is the murder of entire humanity. The Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) never used force to spread the message of Islam. The Holy Quran also states: Let there be no compulsion in religion. He said that the MQM also believes and follows the teaching of love, peace and devotion from the Sufis and Saints of Pakistan, i.e. Shah Latif Bhitai (RH) of Sindh, Bacha Khan and Rehman Baba of NWFP and Baba Bulley Shah of Punjab.

Addressing the Chief Justice Supreme Court Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry Mr Hussain asked him that when he was warned by the Secretary Interior Sindh of some intelligence reports and he was requested to postpone his visit – but on the one hand he speaks of independence of judiciary whereas on the other hand so many innocent people have died today. Their family members have been widowed, orphaned and lost their loved ones. He asked, “Are you satisfied now?” He appealed to the Chief Justice that for God’s sake look around at the political jugglers surrounding you and not to get involved by following their advice. He reminded that the position of Chief Justice is sacrosanct and the MQM was the first one to condemn the highhandedness against him. The political jugglers and their violent elements around the Chief Justice have today taken full advantage of the situation and organised the bloodbath of innocent people.

Mr Hussain said that politics should be above self-interest. In the interest of the country should an individual get strong or the institution? He said that with due respect I ask the Chief Justice why has he been leading political rallies where slogans have been raised of “Go Musharraf Go”? What is the relevance between struggle for independence of judiciary and the slogan of “Go Musharraf Go”? President Musharraf has been elected the country’s President by the legislative bodies. If by raising the slogan: “go Musharraf go” the political jugglers mean a complete and total end to the military’s involvement in politics then they should raise the slogan of “Go Military Go” and “Go Military back to barracks”. He said that these political and religious parties have been bringing one general after another general for their personal benefits. By “go Musharraf go” they don’t mean end to military involvement in politics but to replace one general with another and they have invited army generals to come and take over the country’s rule. He asked what is penalty for the judge who breaks the sanctity of oath taken under the Constitution. Addressing the lawyers’ organisations Mr Hussain asked why a movement or struggle for the independence of judiciary was not launched when the six judges of Supreme Court, Justice Saeeduz Zaman Siddiqui, Justice Nasir Aslam Zahid, Justice Wajih Uddin, Justice Khalilur Rehman, Justice Mamoon Qazi and Justice Kamal Mansoor refused to break their constitutional oath and to take another oath under the PCO. Mr Hussain said that he salutes the courage and audacity of these judges who refused to take oath under the PCO saying that they have already taken the constitutional oath and cannot break their oath to take another oath.

Addressing the Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry Mr Hussain asked on behalf of MQM workers and supporters he should seek nation’s forgiveness for breaking his constitutional oath and taking the oath under the PCO. Once the Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry admits this mistake, resigns from his position and then struggle for the independence of judiciary then the parties with insignificant followings at all cannot provide him the level of support the MQM can offer.

Mr Hussain again clarified that today’s peaceful rally was not against the Chief Justice but was organised to support the independence of judiciary and against political jugglery in the name of independence of judiciary. He reminded that for the past four years all the opposition political and religious parties had miserably failed to mobilise the people of Pakistan for the million marches or with their empty slogans of resigning from the assemblies. Now, once again under the cover of independence of judiciary the conspiring elements are also trying to start Pakhtoon and Mohajir riots. He warned to beware of such elements and that the Mohajir and Pakhtoon are brothers and have no desire to pit against one another but want to stay united and care for each other. He said that when political and religious parties failed to mobilise the public then they hijacked the issue of Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry to topple the democratically elected government. He appealed to all the conspiring and conniving elements to abandon all such conspiracies as Pakistan’s sustenance only lies in a true democratic system. Establishment of a true democratic system will raise awareness and with the spread of education this awareness will grow and the people of Pakistan will then be able to use their vote sensibly and not rely on obeying the orders of the feudals, waderas and jaagirdars. And it is the MQM which is struggling for the abolishment of the medieval feudal system and will free the 98 percent poor and middle class masses from the clutches of the feudal lords and will not hesitate to offer any sacrifice.

Addressing the party workers Mr Hussain said that despite the brutal and ruthless murder of our workers today he will never appeal to workers to use violent means under any circumstances. He said we pray to Allah Almighty for justice and that now our Pakhtoon brothers have also joined the list of martyrs of the Movement. He said that judiciary should be independent and autonomous. All the institutions of the State should be sovereign and also confined to function within the boundaries of their duties and responsibilities. He said that MQM will continue to struggle for the independence of judiciary and to raise its voice against the political jugglery in the name of independence of judiciary.

Mr Hussain appealed to all the lawyers’ organisations that the issue of Presidential Reference against the Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry is in the court and legal and constitutional issues must be settled in courts and not be allowed to politicise and bring such issues out on the streets. He also asked the lawyers’ organisations that when the Supreme Court was attached during the Nawaz Sharif Government why they didn’t think of independence of judiciary then? When martial law was imposed repeatedly and the constitution suspended then why then these lawyers’ organisations didn’t think of independence of judiciary? When the Supreme Court judges refused to take oath under the PCO why these lawyers’ organisations didn’t think of independence of judiciary? Recalling the recent program of the Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry to address the Lahore Bar when 3 different party flags were flying on his car – why was he leading a political procession? He said to the lawyers’ organisations that they have the right to take out rallies but when they are wearing their professional black coat they must not appear to be politically influenced and should remain unbiased within the court boundaries.

In the end Mr Hussain paid tributes to the party workers for organising the rally and offered his heartiest tributes to the martyrs. We pledge that we will not let their sacrifice go in vain.

Live Update MQM Peaceful Rally In Karachi, Pakistan

TO SUPPORT INDEPENDENCE OF JUDICIARY AND AGAINST
POLITICAL JUGGLERY IN THE NAME OF INDEPENDENCE OF JUDICIARY

PST: 4:10pm

The MQM Founder & Leader Mr Altaf Hussain has started his address to the Rally.

PST: 1.50pm

MQM Founder & Leader Mr Altaf Hussain has expressed his heartfelt sorrow over the killings of MQM workers in violent incidents caused by armed terrorists also resulting in injuries to many. He extended his heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the family members of the MQM Members of Pakhtoon Punjabi Organising Committee namely Fida Khan, Umer Khan and Malang Khan. He said that he is saddened over the loss of lives of his valuable, determined and courageous companions and all the party members share the sorrow. He also prayed for the early recovery of all those injured in the terrorist attack.

PST: 1.40 P.M

Wasay Jalil, Haq Parast Town Nazim, Gulshan-e-Iqbal was present at the Aal-e-Hassan Chawki, Pahalwan Goth, with other MQM workers when unidentified armed gunmen opened fire injuring MQM worker Zakir Hussain. He has been rushed to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital. In another incident at Lasbella Haq Parast Member Provincial Assembly Sindh Moeen Khan was fired upon but fortunately he escaped unhurt.

PST: 12.45 P.M

3 Workers of namely Fida Khan, Umer Khan and Malang Khan of Pakhtoon, Punjabi Organising Committee of Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) have brutally and cold bloodedly martyred near Kala Board, Karachi as result of target killing by the Terrorists’ of Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians (PPPP), Haqiqi, Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz), Awami National Party (ANP), Pakhtoon Loya Jirga, Sunni Tehrik and other terrorists’ groups.

PST:12.30 P.M

Indiscriminate firing has been opened by the armed terrorists’ of the Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians (PPPP), Haqiqi, Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz), Awami National Party (ANP), Pakhtoon Loya Jirga, Sunni Tehrik and other terrorists’ groups jointly at Drigh Road, Nataha Goth, Shahrah-e-Faisal Bridge in the area of Shah Faisal, Karachi. The firing is so intense that the Police Force on duty has fled and taken refuge in the Police Station. Despite desperate calls for help, Paramilitary Rangers have been deployed hence a carte blanche has been granted to the terrorists’ to continue with murder and mayhem. Scores of MQM workers have been critically wounded.

PST:12.30 P.M

Karachi-12 May 2007

(PST: 12.00 P.M)
Mrs. Nasreen Jalil, Naib Nazima (Deputy Mayor) of City District Government of Karachi (CDGK) belonging to Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) was engulfed by the violent lawyers at the City Court Area of Karachi where she was physically tormented and verbally abused by the Lawyers. However, Police reached on the spot while the lawyers were almost going to torture her but she managed to escape form the hands of the terrorists’ of Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians and other political and terrorists’ groups wearing black coats and white trousers in the protection of the Police.

11am (Pakistan Time): Armed persons have attacked the MQM peaceful rallies at several points in Karachi. These include incidents of firing and throwing stone on buses at the Banaras Chawk causing injuries. Several MQM workers have been abducted. Another incident has occurred at Sohrab Goth where these armed terrorists are throwing stones and buses full of MQM workers and supporters who are on their way to join the peaceful MQM Rally. More reports of these violent attacks are also coming in... details to be forwarded soon.

10am (Pakistan Time): Thousands and thousands of people are now on the streets of Karachi. Every street leading to Tibet Centre is completely full of MQM workers and supporters.

Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) Rally is in Progress

Convoys after Convoys from various Sectors of Karachi have started reaching various spots of Rallies to culminate at the Tibet Centre, M.A.Jinnah Road, Karachi. Hundreds of Busses loaded with thousands of people carrying party flags, banners and posters have converged on Karachi. Remainder of the convoys from interior of Sindh have also reached Karachi. Shahrah-e-Faisal and roads leading to the Airport are jam-packed while the rest of the city is also witnessing unprecedented participation. Analysts claim that today’s rally would once again, be historical and unprecedented.

Deadly violence erupts in Pakistan

At least 18 people have been killed during massive clashes between pro-government supporters and opposition party members Saturday in the southern Pakistani city of Karachi, police and intelligence sources said.

Many of those killed were supporters of deposed Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry, who had gathered to rally as he arrived in the city earlier in the day, police said. An unknown number of other people have been wounded.

Police and paramilitary officers have been unable to gain control of the situation.

Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf removed Chaudhry from his post on March 9, accusing him of misusing his powers. The dismissal has sparked widespread demonstrations.

Chaudhry is slated to address a bar association meeting later Saturday in Karachi, while Musharraf plans to hold his own public rally in the capital city of Islamabad as a show of his strength.

Some of those killed were shot by unknown gunmen earlier in the day while putting up welcome posters for Chaudhry.

Lawyers supporting Chaudhry told CNN they had walked some 10 miles Saturday to welcome him as he arrived at Karachi airport, having vowed to greet him "at any cost".

All main city roads, including the road to the airport, had been blocked and sealed off with containers and trucks, police said, in what appeared to be a bid by government supporters to restrict movement and interrupt the rally.

A provincial high court ordered the provincial government to provide security for Chaudhry on his visit. According to police sources, more than 15,000 police officers will be deployed in Karachi along with paramilitary troops.

More than 800 political workers had been arrested, the sources said, adding that they were members of labor and student organizations who had planned to greet Chaudhry on his arrival. The police did not say why they had been arrested.

The atmosphere grew tense and uncertain after gunmen opened fire on political workers of the opposition Pakistan Muslim League, killing three of them, police in Karachi said.
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Legal row
Pakistan's Supreme Court bar and many legal experts have said Musharraf does not have the constitutional power to remove the chief justice from the bench. So far, 14 superior and civil court judges and two deputy attorney generals have resigned over the matter.

Chaudhry was appointed to the court by Musharraf in 2005, but had recently started exercising independence from the government in a number of cases involving the disappearance of terror suspects and human rights activists.

The U.S. has tiptoed around the matter, partly because Musharraf is a key ally in its war on terrorism.

Musharraf's critics accused him of removing Chaudhry in an effort to intimidate the judiciary ahead of crucial elections and a vote in parliament to extend his rule later this year.

Media ban
On Wednesday Pakistan's Supreme Court banned the media from discussing the legal battle being waged by Chaudhry, saying coverage should not interfere with the process.

The court issued the ban because of what it claims is a "campaign of making the honorable judges of the Supreme Court/members of the Supreme Judicial Council controversial" in broadcast and print media.

Journalists' organizations launched a protest against the ban, with reporters saying they were merely covering the story and have done nothing illegal.

In a statement Wednesday, the Supreme Court said special passes would be issued for reporters and lawyers to attend Chaudhry's hearing on the presidential reference filed against him.

It added that media coverage, discussion and analysis that impeded legal procedures would be treated as contempt of court. Chaudhry's lawyers protested the decision and said they would challenge it in the Supreme Court.

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