Crisis Management for a Conflict with North Korea

Express Tribune | English | News | Dec. 12, 2025 | Communal and Religious Strife

Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) senior leader Dr Farooq Sattar condemned the violent incidents during Sindh Culture Day celebrations on December 7, accusing armed groups of creating a "state within a state" in Karachi. The unrest involved clashes, vandalism, the torching of ambulances, and participants displaying weapons and raising hate slogans. MQM-P strongly condemned the conduct and criticised the Sindh government for its silence, suggesting a "premeditated agenda" against Karachi’s peace.

Sattar alleged police inaction, stating that although terrorism cases were registered, many suspects were allowed to escape with assistance. He also criticised the judiciary for allegedly treating suspects as innocent and reprimanding police for including terrorism charges, warning that this judicial approach could destabilise the city. He urged the courts to take notice of the situation to prevent further deterioration.

Referencing historical ethnic tensions, including the killing of student Bushra Zaidi, Sattar warned that efforts to incite communal divisions were resurfacing, citing a recent case in Gulshan-e-Iqbal where lawyers purportedly tried to evict a resident on linguistic grounds. He also condemned threats directed at Governor Kamran Tessori following his participation in Sindhi Culture Day celebrations and warned the government it would be responsible for any fallout during the upcoming Mohajir culture day on December 24.

Ali Khursheedi, speaking alongside Sattar, emphasised that Karachi’s population cannot tolerate further unconstitutional and anti-state activities, lamenting the lack of response from government spokespersons on this national issue. Both leaders called for reforms instead of the promotion of hatred.