The Sindh government has firmly denied claims made by the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) that security was withdrawn from its leaders and lawmakers. Officials have stated that security arrangements remain intact in accordance with legal protocols, while MQM-P leaders maintain that their protection has been removed amid political tensions following the Gul Plaza fire tragedy.
Government Response to Security Allegations
Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar told Geo News that security has not been withdrawn from MQM-P leaders. He emphasized that protection is provided based on law and security assessments and continues for those entitled. Lanjar noted that federal ministers Mustafa Kamal and Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, both MQM-P members, are currently in Islamabad and retain their security details.
Sources confirmed that security has been restored for Siddiqui, Kamal, Farooq Sattar, and Anis Kaimkhani. Additionally, a Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader has reportedly contacted opposition leader Ali Khurshidi regarding the possible restoration of his security.
MQM-P’s Position and Accusations
MQM-P leader Syed Aminul Haque accused the Sindh government of withdrawing security as a reaction to the party’s criticism of the handling of the Gul Plaza fire incident. Haque claimed that security for himself, Kamal, Sattar, and other leaders was removed, alleging the government is panicked by their public criticism. He stated that MQM-P will continue to expose what it calls government incompetence and is considering street protests as part of its response.
Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal also stated that his security was withdrawn. He condemned the tragedy as a failure of oversight and questioned the Sindh administration’s capacity to govern Karachi, suggesting that the federal government could intervene if necessary. Kamal called for Karachi to be freed from the current ruling authorities, accusing them of negligence and poor governance.
Official Statements and Context
Sindh government spokesperson Sumeta Afzal Syed described MQM-P’s claims as false narratives and political propaganda, affirming that security is provided according to law and protocol. Senior Sindh Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon echoed this, stating the government is not targeting anyone and highlighted the lack of safety measures in many buildings nationwide. Memon referred to the Gul Plaza fire as a national tragedy and dismissed rumors about security withdrawal as politically motivated.
Sadia Javed, another government spokesperson, suggested that police shortages in Karachi might explain any temporary changes in security arrangements, noting that many ruling party members also do not have police protection.
Background: Gul Plaza Fire and Aftermath
The controversy arises in the wake of the Gul Plaza fire, which resulted in multiple casualties and exposed gaps in safety enforcement. The incident has sparked political tensions, with MQM-P criticizing the Sindh government’s response and accountability. The government has pledged to assess the losses and improve safety protocols, while the opposition continues to raise concerns over governance and security in Karachi.
