‘Misprint’ in CTD notification implies MQM being investigated

In a recent notification, the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) of the Sindh police caused some raised eyebrows after it included “all MQM [Muttahida Qaumi Movement] cells” in its investigation list, along with Lyari gang war (LGW) and Sipah-e-Muhammad.

A senior CTD official, however, clarified that the MQM’s inclusion was a result of a “misprint”. He later issued an update, stating that “incharge of LGW, SM and all MQM cells investigation, CTD Sindh, Karachi” mentioned in Inspector Sajjad Haider’s posting order was a “typographical error”, and that the correct version should be read as “incharge of LGW Cell, Investigation CTD Sindh, Karachi”.

Since August 2016, the MQM has split into different factions. The law enforcement agencies, particularly the police and Rangers, have conducted numerous raids and operations targeting the MQM-London, leading to many workers of the faction being arrested. But no significant action has been taken against workers of other MQM factions, which have been recognized as legitimate political parties.

The recent notification, however, raised some concerns, suggesting that all MQM factions are being treated as terrorist organisations, a significant shift in the approach towards the political entity.

The copy of the notification available with The News reads: “Inspector Sajjad Haider of Intelligence CTD Sindh, Karachi, is hereby transferred to Investigation CTD Sindh, Karachi, and posted as officer incharge of LGW, SM and all MQM cells investigation, CTD Sindh, Karachi, with immediate effect and until further order. This issues with the approval of the Additional IGP CTD Sindh.”

When contacted, the CTD’s DIG Asif Aijaz Shaikh, who issued the notification, clarified that the mention of “MQM cells” was a result of a “misprint”.

Inspector Haider has been appointed to replace the late DSP Ali Raza, who was martyred recently. Haider is counted among the senior police officers who have played an active role in the Karachi operations and those who were Raza’s former colleagues.