KARACHI: Sindh Governor Imran Ismail on Friday visited the residence of Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQP-P) slain activist Muhammad Aslam, who died after allegedly using violent means to disperse a protest rally. This was due to the scuffle at the hands of the policemen. MQM-P outside the Chief Minister's residence in Karachi two days ago.
Sindh Governor expressed condolences to the family members of the late MQM-P worker and also offered prayers for the departed soul. The Governor later while talking to media persons said that the sheer harassment and vandalism carried out outside the Chief Minister's residence in Karachi claimed one life. Innocent workers of MQM-P. He lamented that the violence outside the CM House proved fatal for the MQM-P worker, who was the only bread earner in his family of eight children.
He mentioned that the only crime committed by MQM-P was that they took out a peaceful protest rally and reached that place (CM House). He said, "People associated with the (Sindh) government have now gone to their (victims) homes, but the problem could have been resolved if the Sindh government had decided to talk to them (MQM-P) on the day of the protest." " They said. But instead, the provincial government chose to show its power that day, he said.
The Governor mentioned that the police resorted to lathi-charge on indiscriminate basis, lobbed tear gas shells and beat up party MPs while dealing with the protesters, thereby violating the sanctity of Parliament. "I believe that talks could have taken place there (at the protest rally site) had the Sindh government opted to handle the matter amicably," the governor said. He said that it seems Sindh is going through a tough time as compared to a dictatorial regime.
He also asked the Sindh government to ensure that the bereaved family of the MQM-P worker gets financial compensation. "I would also request Prime Minister Imran Khan to use any of his welfare schemes to take care of the bereaved family," he said.
Responding to a question, he said intelligent people were leading the MQM-P as they had opted to protest peacefully. He said that dealing with the protesters in this way could send a wrong message to the international cricket players residing in Karachi for the Pakistan Super League matches.
Governor advised Sindh government not to play politics over the death of MQM-P worker. He said that on the instructions of the PM, Home Minister Sheikh Rashid also demanded a report of the incident within two days.