Security withdrawn from MQM-P leaders due to shortage of personnel: Sindh govt spokesperson

Political tensions intensified in Karachi after security was abruptly withdrawn from senior leaders of MQM-P, raising concern within the party.

According to officials, the ministry of interior ordered the removal of police and police mobile vehicles assigned to key MQM-P figures, including federal minister and party chairman Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, federal ministers Mustafa Kamal and Dr Farooq Sattar, Anis Kaimkhani, and Sindh assembly opposition leader Ali Khurshidi.

The leaders had previously been provided dedicated security, including mobile vehicles and security staff, as part of routine protection for high-profile figures. However, authorities issued directives on Tuesday for all personnel and vehicles to immediately return to their units, leaving the party’s senior members without official protection.

However, no formal explanation has been issued by the government for the decision. MQM-P officials believe the move may be linked to the party’s sharp criticism of the Sindh government in the Gul Plaza incident. 

Meanwhile, the MQM-P has called for an emergency press conference at 4 pm on Tuesday, to discuss the next step in the unfolding dispute with the Sindh government.

Sadia Javed, spokesperson of the Sindh government, defended the sudden withdrawal of security from MQM-P leaders in Karachi, she said there are “legitimate reasons” behind the decision as there is a shortage of police personnel in the city.

Speaking to media, Javed said that Karachi lacks sufficient police force, which might explain why official security was pulled from MQM-P figures. Furthermore, she stated that she and other MPAs of the Sindh government also do not currently have dedicated security. She emphasized that the move is not targeted at the MQM-P alone.

However, the MQM-P strongly criticized the security withdrawal, linking it to their criticism of the Sindh government over the handling of Gul Plaza tragedy.

Javed, while talking to the media, also shed light on the relocation of shopkeepers affected by the Gul Plaza fire, she said authorities are negotiating with owners of two nearby plazas, one with about 500 shops and the other with some 350, where affected shopkeepers could be shifted.