MQM walks out of Sindh Assembly during CM's address

Published January 27, 2015
MQM workers protest at Sindh Assembly. - DawnNews screen grab
MQM workers protest at Sindh Assembly. - DawnNews screen grab

KARACHI: Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) representatives on Tuesday staged a walkout after shouting slogans during Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah's address in the Sindh Assembly.

MQM representative Khwaja Izharul Hassan asked the speaker about investigations into extrajudicial killings of party workers and the role of the provincial government.

He directly addressed Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah, saying: "MQM workers waited with dead bodies for 10 hours outside the CM house, yet no individual from the provincial government gave a statement regarding taking notice of the killings of MQM workers."

Khwaja Izharul Hassan -DawnNews screen grab
Khwaja Izharul Hassan -DawnNews screen grab

The chief minister opened his speech by mentioning the Protection of Pakistan Ordinance and laws that were created to give Rangers the power to carry out operations in Karachi.

"When they [MQM] were with us, there were killings then as well, why weren't there protests against the killings then?" asked the chief minister while addressing the house.

He termed the MQM's protest at the CM House an "attack on the CM house" rather than a grievance.

Shah's comments infuriated MQM representatives in the assembly, who shouted slogans and walked out of the building.

MQM representatives gathering to protest at the assembly - DawnNews screen grab
MQM representatives gathering to protest at the assembly - DawnNews screen grab

Disagreements and not enmity are part of politics: Sharjeel Inam Memon

Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Memon, while talking to media representatives, expressed his disappointment regarding the ruckus during today's Sindh Assembly session.

He added that the chief minister was responding to all queries however he was not given a chance to finish his address and was interrupted.

"When you accuse someone, you must have the patience to hear their response as well," said the provincial information minister.

Memon further said that issues must not be diverted, adding that the Sindh government is open to holding talks with all parties. He mentioned that the provincial government was open to discussions with MQM but they did not entertain the idea.

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