Protest at MQM HQ London – Sunday 13 April 2009

 

 

A number of human rights activists gathered outside the MQM offices in London UK (Elizabeth House, Edgware, Middlesex) to protest against the atrocities committed in Karachi on April 9th 2008, in which a number of lawyers & innocent citizens were burnt alive and transport drivers were killed by bullet injury. These people were innocent victims of the lawlessness and the violent thuggery being practiced in Karachi by some factions of MQM.
The objective of the protest was to condemn the anti-democratic forces in Pakistan and these horrific deaths, which were allegedly carried out in retaliation for the verbal & physical abuse (punches and slaps) earlier meted out to MQM leaders, Arbab Jehangir and Dr. Niazi – as yet the culprits have not been caught. Though we condemn the abuse suffered by Mr. Jehangir and Dr. Niazi, we are united in our view that one act of violence should not be met by an even greater act of violence.
At the demonstration there was representation from the Communist Kissan Party (CKP), the Campaign for Democratic Pakistan (CDP; formerly, the Campaign Against Martial Law), lawyers, students, the PTI, PML-N and PPP, as well as other civil society members and prominent journalists, such as Dawn’s Mr. Zia-du-din. Taimur Rehman (CKP and CDP) led the sloganeering with ‘Altaf ka jo yaar hai- ghadaar hai ghadaar hai’/ ‘.
Amongst the black flags, red communist flags and PTI flags there were also posters clearly articulating feelings of the protesters regarding the MQM , such as ‘Dont burn us’, etc.
The current state of lawlessness in Pakistan is a result of Musharraf’s regime and the lack of an independent judiciary. For the people of Pakistan there is no recourse to law and state security. Thus, another common goal today was to raise our voices for the restoration of an independent judiciary.
This is a courtesy message from Pakistani Professionals in London:
Join us for a protest outside the MQM London Head Quarters to condemn the atrocities committed in Karachi against Civil Society and Lawyers.
This is one of the key goals that we as a party have been struggling for Justice!!!
Civil Society, Political Parties, Students & Others will be gathering outside the MQM HQ in London on April 13th, 2008 at 1pm at Elizabeth House, High Street, Edgware, Middlesex, HA8 7EJ.
We would like to invite all those who are against violent killings, anti- democratic forces in Pakistan and who are striving for the restoration of an independent judiciary to join us in solidarity for this demonstration.
Please do make the effort and MUST bring your own Play Cards and Posters – every single number counts!!
For additional information contact Mr. Ahmed Nawaz Wattoo at 07799214021.