Altaf Hussain booked in treason case

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Police on Tuesday lodged another case against the chief of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) on charges of treason.

According to IG Sindh Police, the FIR has been registered on behalf of the government whereas articles related to treason included in it along with one article catering to the Telegraphic Act.

The case was registered at Artillery Maidan Police Station, with the station house officer (SHO) as plaintiff.

The FIR contained various sections including benefitting enemy forces and inciting public to violence against agencies.

On Monday evening, MQM workers turned to violence after being told by their party chief to surround the offices of Geo News, Samaa and ARY in Karachi.

During his address, the MQM supremo made statements against Pakistan and urged activists to voice slogans against the country. At least one person reportedly injured in the firing near Zainab market succumbed to his wounds at the hospital.

Two other people sustained injuries during the violent attacks in which around 2,000 party workers reportedly took part.

The workers also caused damage to shops located in Zainab market in the city’s Saddar area forcing their closure. Traffic jams were witnessed in areas surrounding I.I.Chundrigar road, while the road leading to CM House was also blocked.

The sudden unrest in the city prompted Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to direct authorities for immediate arrest of all those involved in violence. He said that adequate security must be provided to journalists in Karachi.

On the other hand, the MQM has condemned the move and said that it held a gathering at Mazar-e-Quaid on May 12 to highlight the issue of ‘extra-judicial killing and forced disappearances’ of its workers.