KARACHI, Sept 17: The Muttahida Qaumi Movement condemns the killing of its activist from Lyari Mohammed Farooq Sarbazi in what can be described as the first election-related killing in the city.

Stating this at a news conference on Tuesday, deputy convener of the MQM coordination committee Dr Farooq Sattar alleged that those who had influence in Lyari were responsible for the killing of his party’s activist.

Replying to a question, he said that after the killing of Dr Nishat Malik and Mustafa Kamal, the MQM had given applications for arms licences for the security of its leaders, but so far nothing had been done in this regard by the authorities.

Flanked by other central leaders of the Muttahida, Dr Sattar said that the killing of Sarbazi at the doorsteps of his house in Singhoo Lane, Lyari, was the reflection of feudal mentality. He alleged that it could be the handiwork of those, who for years, had exploited Lyari for their own vested interest and those who were afraid of being relegated in the next elections.

Sarbazi was shot and wounded on Monday afternoon while he was returning home from a party election office. He died in a hospital on Tuesday.

Resolving to defeat such elements through patience, he urged the President, Chief Election Commissioner and Minister of the Interior to take serious notice of the killing.

Dr Sattar also condemned the attack on Tuesday on shops in Saddar area belonging to the Bohri community, PPI adds.