Dedication that ended with a bullet

Karachi
Polite and mild-mannered, Syed Waqas Ali Shah always responded to reporters’ calls even if it was two in the morning. That is why he was valued not only by his party officials, but media personnel as well.
The 25-year-old member of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement’s information department and a mass communication student at the Federal Urdu University was very dedicated to his job to coordinate with the media. Known for his debating prowess, Shah had impressed many while delivering speeches during the party’s programmes.
Shah had become a member of the MQM’s central information committee six months ago. Earlier, he worked as a sector in-charge and the information secretary of the MQM’s student body the All Pakistan Muttahida Students Organisation.
Ambitious since his college days, his leaning towards politics stemmed from his desire to serve the country and bring about a change.
But that life, brimming with enthusiasm, was cut short by bullet on Wednesday. Who fired that bullet, there are allegations and counter-allegations. But that does not change the fact that two parents and seven siblings have lost their cherished star and the country a probable talented politician in the future.
The MQM says Shah lost his life protecting the female supporters of the party from the “abusive” Rangers who were conducting a raid at its headquarters, Nine Zero.
Mohammad Farhan, also a member of the MQM’s information department, said Shah had a verbal spar with the soldiers of the paramilitary force when they misbehaved with women. “One of the soldiers shot him in the head. Ahsan Ghori [another MQM office-bearer] was standing just behind Waqas and he narrowly escaped,” he added.
Rangers deny having to do anything with Shah’s murder.
Syed Amin-ul-Haq, a senior MQM leader, said Shah was energetic, hard-working and always maintained party discipline.
Shah was set to be engaged on Saturday and his wedding was scheduled to take place after six months.