'One of MQM's brightest faces': Condolences pour in on Ali Raza Abidi's death

Published December 25, 2018
Former MQM leader Ali Raza Abidi was shot dead in Karachi on Tuesday. — File
Former MQM leader Ali Raza Abidi was shot dead in Karachi on Tuesday. — File

Condolences poured in as news broke that former MQM leader Syed Ali Raza Abidi has been shot dead in Karachi.

Prime minister Imran Khan, according to his party's Twitter account, expressed his sorrow at Abidi's murder and sought an immediate report.

Former MQM convener Farooq Sattar said "Abidi was like my children", adding that "we had raised him with our own hands, he was Pakistan's future. With what cowardice and coldness he was targeted and martyred".

Former MQM Rabita Committee member Wasay Jalil remembered Abidi as his "best colleague" and a gem of a person.

President Arif Alvi condemned Abidi's death and prayed for his loved ones.

PML-N leader Ahsan Iqbal termed Abidi's death a "terrible tragedy", adding that "violence in politics is an unforgivable crime."

Nadeem Nusrat, one of MQM founder Altaf Hussain's allies, described Abidi's death as a tragedy of tragedies.

PPP leader Dr Nafisa Shah remember Abidi as one of MQM's brightest faces, and wondered "who could be so cruel to take the life of a young and promising leader?"

Senator Rehman Malik urged Sindh IGP to "ensure the arrest of the culprits".

Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Ali Muhammad Khan "condemned the killing" and demanded that the "killers must be apprehended".

PPP Senator Saeed Ghani regretted Abidi's untimely demise and claimed that he "was about to join PPP before GE 2018".

PML-N leader Abid Sher Ali prayed that Abidi's family gets the courage to "bear this irreparable loss".

ANP leader Afrasiab Khattak said: "Abidi always raised his voice in the parliament with bravery and courage. He opposed oppression in every part of the country. Abidi bhai will always be remembered for his bold stances."

Shahzad Akbar, the Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Accountability, was "deeply saddened" on Abidi's murder.

Opinion

Editorial

Ill omens
Updated 12 Feb, 2025

Ill omens

One wonders whether institutional leadership realises the long-term ramifications of the ongoing "remaking" of judiciary.
Sunken dreams
12 Feb, 2025

Sunken dreams

ANOTHER tragedy has struck Pakistani migrants seeking a better future. A boat capsizing off the Libyan coast has ...
Hate in India
12 Feb, 2025

Hate in India

HISTORY shows that rulers use hate speech to provoke hate crimes and ‘othering’ among communities. Indian Prime...
IMF scrutiny
Updated 11 Feb, 2025

IMF scrutiny

Strengthening foundations of the economic superstructure will help make the economy competitive and boost growth.
Shadow voices
11 Feb, 2025

Shadow voices

OVER the weekend, another ‘open letter’ addressed to the army chief and attributed to former prime minister ...
Paradise at a premium
11 Feb, 2025

Paradise at a premium

PAKISTAN’S recent triumph at the New York Travel and Adventure Show 2025, winning the Best Partner Pavilion Award,...