KARACHI: Criticising the ongoing targeted operation in Karachi, Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain on Saturday alleged that the Rangers had turned Sindh into what he called an "occupied province", a press release on the party's website said.

“Sindh is burning and MQM workers are being treated like prisoners of war,” said the MQM chief, adding that that Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah's attitude in this regard had been irresponsible. He further lamented that Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Co-Chairman Asif Zardari's dealings with the MQM had taken a disappointing turn.

He said the PPP leadership's attitude was reflective of the fact that it did not care about the residents of the province.

The press release also said that Altaf had called Asif Zardari and Qaim Ali Shah to discuss the role of Rangers in Sindh but was unable to establish contact with them despite several attempts.

Read: MQM minus Altaf will mean war on streets, says Altaf

Rabita Committee holds emergency meeting

MQM's Rabita Committee condemned what it called the callous attitude displayed by Asif Zardari and Qaim Ali Shah.

An emergency meeting was called by the committee in London and Karachi to discuss latest developments.

A meeting was also called by MQM on sector and unit levels to discuss the current situation. The meeting is expected to decide the party's future course of action against PPP.

Also read: MQM man says Altaf knew about Indian funding

Meanwhile, Qaim Ali Shah said he had left a meeting to attend the MQM chief's call.

"I did talk to Altaf Hussain but he himself terminated the call after getting emotional during the conversation."