MQM Chief Altaf Hussain on Thursday expressed deep concern over the police action of cordoning off Dr Tahirul Qadri's residence in Model Town area of Lahore. The government did not learn any lesson from the Model Town tragedy, it seems, said Altaf.
Altaf said once again the police force has been used to seal all roads leading to Qadri's residence and Minhajul Quran Secretariat (MQS), adding the police action is highly condemnable. He also condemned the large-scale police crackdown on Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) workers.
He advised the government to show restraint and deal with the situation with poise and persistence instead of indulging in threats and warnings. The country is going through a political turmoil and can't afford any more agitation; therefore, the rulers should resolve issues by dialogue. Altaf Hussain also contacted PAT's President Dr Raheeq Abbasi and said the government should refrain from abusing state power. He further added that though everyone has the right to protest, the criticism should be exercised within the sphere of the Law and Constitution.
Heavy contingents of police have cordoned off MQS in Model Town on early Thursday morning. Police have also put barriers on all roads leading to Tahirul Qadri's residence and sealed the entire area. Minhajul Quran sources have claimed that thousands of PAT workers have been arrested ahead of Youm-e-Shuhada. Talking to media soon after the police action, PAT Chief Tahirul Qadri said crackdown has been started on homes of PAT workers in different parts of Punjab. He further said if such undemocratic tactics continued, Youm-e-Shuhada could turn into Revolution Day.