SSP Rao Anwar suspended for arresting MQM leader

KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on Friday suspended senior police official Rao Anwar after the dramatic arrest of senior Muttahida Qaumi Movement leader (MQM) and Opposition Leader in the Sindh Assembly Khawaja Izharul Hassan.

Speaking to media, the chief minister said an inquiry has been ordered into the episode and the SP would be punished if he is found guilty of violating law. Later, a spokesman for the chief minister also confirmed that Rao Anwar has been suspended.   

Apart from Anwar's suspension, DIG East Kamran Fazal is also said to have been removed from his post as the MQM lawmaker was arrested within the remits of the zone where he is responsible for maintaining law and order.

Rao Anwar claimed to have conducted the raid and taken him into custody on the charges of inciting rebellion and a case lodged against him under anti-terrorism act.

Sindh Assembly Speaker Agha Siraj Durrani said that he must have been informed about the raid as per the law prior to arrest of a lawmaker. He added that he will write a letter to Chief Secretary about situation.

Prime Minister NawazSharif called the Sindh chief minister and sought information about the arrest of Khawaja Izharul Hassan

Murad Ali Shah told the prime minister that investigation regarding the arrest of  Hassan was underway, said Minister for Information Senator Pervaiz Rashid in a statement issued here.

"Without permission from the Speaker the arrest of any Member of Parliament is illegal the, information minister quoted the prime minister as saying.

Rao Anwar, a top anti-terror official, is accused of having close links with the leadership of Pakistan People's Party. The official called the shots in Malir district of Pakistan's port city despite being suspended in the past for his conduct. 

The MQM has faced a crackdown after its self-exiled leader in London delivered an anti-Pakistan speech and asked his workers to launch attack on media.

The authorities demolished dozens of MQM offices as part of a campaign against encroachment of government’s land and sealed many others including its Nine Zero Headquarters following Altaf Hussain’s speech.