Several MQM workers held during protest against Local Government Act

KARACHI (92 News) – The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) staged a protest demonstration against the Local Government Act on Wednesday.

The protesters and the police scuffled with each other when they were stopped from marching ahead at Metropole. Later, the police had to resort to baton-charge and shelling.

However, the MQM workers continued to march ahead by removing the barricades. Later, they staged a sit-in outside CM House. The police arrested several workers. Several workers, including MPA Sadaqat Hussain and women, were injured.

Addressing the protesters, Federal Minister Aminul Haq said that it was beyonf understanding to stop the peaceful protest. "We will not desist from our justified demands," he added. The MQM leadership refused to end their protest during talks with the administration.

Meanwhile, the MQM leaders has demanded resignation of Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah. They also demanded removal of the Sindh IGP.

They gave a 24-hour deadline for the release of the MQM workers.

MQM leader Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui said that they will be free to make decisions if the missing women did not return. He also threatened to close the gates of the city if Murad Shah did not resign.