MQM-London workers clash with security officials

KARACHI: Workers of Muttahida Quami Movement-London came face to face with security officials on Friday when they tried to visit the Yadgar-e-Shuhuda in Azizabad, a one-time stronghold of Altaf Hussain's party, which has faced crackdown and defections after his anti-Pakistan remarks made on August 22 this year.

The situation turned tense as a large contingent of police and Rangers personnel were deployed near the Yadgar-e-Shuhuda to prevent workers of MQM-London from trying to reach the place. 

The workers had assembled earlier during the day and held a Quran khawani ceremony. Afterwards, as the large number of workers started to advance towards the area, Rangers and police stopped them from doing so. Law enforcement agencies also took into custody several workers of MQMn, who had tried to climb the Liaquat Ali Khan chowk monument and place an MQM flag on top f it. 

After negotiations were held between Rangers and the protesters, a delegation of female workers were allowed to go from Liaquat Chowk to the Yadgar-e-Shuhuda to lay a floral wreath at the site. 

Brigadier Naseem Ahmed, Sector Commanders of the Pakistan Rangers, warned of strict action against "miscreants".  Talking to media he said the political workers were holding Quran Khawani in the middle of road causing difficulties to people. "A road is not an appropriate place to a Quran Khawani," he said. "We will not allow them to use the holy Quran for political purpose".

MQM workers dispersed only after they were directed by London leadership to leave the area, according to Geo News.