Security provided by the Sindh Government to federal ministers and senior leaders of Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P) has been withdrawn with immediate effect, sources confirmed.
The move has triggered a strong political reaction and raised serious security concerns within the party.
According to sources, the decision followed sharp criticism by MQM-P leaders against the Sindh government and the Pakistan Peoples Party over the Gul Plaza tragedy.
Officials said the criticism reportedly caused displeasure within the provincial leadership, leading to the withdrawal of police protection.
Security has been withdrawn from several senior figures, including Federal Ministers:
- Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui
- Mustafa Kamal
- Farooq Sattar
- Anees Qaimkhani
Security cover was also removed from Ali Khurshidi, the Opposition Leader in the Sindh Assembly. MQM-P lawmakers and senior party members have expressed serious concern over the decision. Party sources described the move as alarming, particularly given the security environment.
In response, MQM-P has called an important press conference at 4:00 pm today, where the party is expected to announce its future course of action.
Read: Mustafa Kamal Calls for Karachi to Be Declared a Federal Territory
Sindh Home Department Order
Sources said that following strong public statements by MQM-P leaders after the Gul Plaza incident, the Sindh Home Department directed security personnel to withdraw protection with immediate effect.
Meanwhile, Kamran Tessori, the Governor of Sindh, also criticised the provincial government over the tragedy.
He said that political games must stop and accountability must come first, noting that 88 people lost their lives in the incident. Tessori added that several bodies are yet to be recovered, while the remains of some victims are still unaccounted for.
The development has further escalated tensions between MQM-P and the Sindh government, with security, accountability, and governance now at the centre of the political debate. Observers say the coming press conference could shape the next phase of the standoff.
