Summary Altaf Hussain condemns the police crackdown on PAT activists.
KARACHI (Dunya News)—MQM chief Altaf Hussain on Thursday expressed deep concern over the police action of cordoning off Dr Tahir ul Qadri’s residence in Model Town area of Lahore, Dunya News reported. The government has not learnt any lessons from the Model Town tragedy, it seems, said Altaf.
Altaf said that once again the police force has been used to seal all roads leading to Qadri’s residence and Minhajul Quran Secretariat (MQS), adding that the police action is highly condemnable. He also condemned the large-scale police crackdown on Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) workers. He advised the government to show restraint and deal with the situation with poise and persistence instead of indulging in threats and warnings. The country is going through a political turmoil and can’t afford any more agitation; therefore, the rulers should resolve issues by dialogue.
Altaf Hussain also contacted PAT’s president Dr Raheeq Abbasi and said that the government should refrain from abusing state power. He further added that though everyone has the right to protest, the criticism should be exercised within the sphere of law and Constitution.
Heavy contingents of police have cordoned off Minhajul Quran Secretariat (MQS) in Model Town on early Thursday morning.
Police have also put barriers on all roads leading to Tahirul Qadri s residence and sealed the entire area.
Minhajul Quran sources have claimed that thousands of Pakistan Awami Tehrik (PAT) workers have been arrested ahead of Youm-e-Shuhada.
Talking to media soon after the police action, PAT chief Tahirul Qadri said that crackdown has started on homes of PAT workers in different parts of Punjab.
He further said that if such undemocratic tactics continued, Youm-e-Shuhada could turn into Revolution Day.
