LAHORE: The MQM issue re-echoed in the Punjab Assembly on Tuesday when the opposition objected to the provincial law minister’s criticism of the Sindh Rangers for demolishing MQM offices.

Opposition leader Mahmoodur Rashid alleged that Rana Sana had become a spokesperson for terrorists and anti-state people.

Speaking on a point of order, he demanded trial of Altaf Hussain under sedition charges and that Sana should apologise to the nation for supporting an outfit that raised “down with Pakistan” slogans.

“I didn’t name names in my speech,” said the law minister, who had to rush from his chamber to the house to explain his stance. He said the Sindh chief minister himself had clarified that the operation clean-up in Karachi is against encroachments on state land and not to demolish offices of any political party.

Sana said Altaf Hussain did in three minutes [speech] what no force could do in 30 years [to damage the MQM] and the anti-Pakistan slogans were aimed at causing chaos and anarchy in the country.

In an apparent reference to Imran Khan and Tahirul Qadri, he said two persons in Punjab were following Hussain’s agenda by trying to create commotion while the nation has rejected the politics of agitation.

He said the whole nation lauded the sacrifices rendered by the Rangers and other law-enforcers in restoring peace in Karachi.

Published in Dawn, August 31st, 2016