KARACHI: The newly set up office of Tehrik-i-Istiqlal in Liaquatabad was attacked and ransacked by about 100 “goonda” elements who also injured eight Tehrik workers in Karachi yesterday [July 28] afternoon. The Tehrik office was formally to be declared open by Air Marshal (Rtd) Asghar Khan last evening.

Furniture and records of two offices of the People’s Party in Liaquatabad were later set on fire by angry crowds. A motor car owned by a Tehrik leader was earlier set on fire near the Tehrik office. Police intervened after an hour of the incident at the Tehrik office. A number of policemen were injured when they were stoned by the public as a protest for not taking action. … The condition of Mr Abdul Rauf Bhopali, President of the Liaquatabad Tehrik-i-Istiqlal, who had received bullet injuries, was described as serious. …

Tension prevailed in the area from noon as information had been received, according to Tehrik sources, that a plan had been hatched to disturb the opening ceremony of the Tehrik office. … At about three in the afternoon, Tehrik workers said, about 100 “goonda” elements armed with revolvers, knives and “dandas” attacked the Tehrik office.

Published in Dawn, July 28th, 2023