Altaf Hussain Smells A Scheme of Renewed Ethnic Conspiracy in Karachi, Urges Unity Among Pashtuns and Muhajirs- Altaf Husasin
LONDON. [UK]. April 13: In his 240th speech broadcast via TikTok, MQM founder Altaf Hussain issued a stark warning about what he termed a “renewed conspiracy” aimed at reigniting ethnic tensions between Pashtuns and Mihajirs in Karachi. He alleged that the current unrest under the guise of the “Dumper Mafia” is part of a larger, orchestrated plan to destabilize the city by provoking inter-ethnic violence.
Hussain drew historical parallels, citing similar incidents from 1964 during General Ayub Khan’s rule, the 1985 riots following the death of student Bushra Zaidi, and the 1986 Aligarh Colony massacre.
He claimed that in each instance, state-backed elements exploited ethnic fault lines to plunge Karachi into chaos.
“Today, once again, the same dangerous game is being played,” he said.
Appealing to both Pashtun and Mohajir communities, Hussain urged restraint and unity in the face of what he described as "deliberate incitement."
“Too much blood has already been shed between our communities,” he warned. “We must not allow history to repeat itself at any cost.”
Recalling his efforts in 1986 to defuse tensions, Hussain shared that he had written to veteran Pashtun leader Khan Abdul Wali Khan from jail to inform him of the ethnic conspiracy. Wali Khan later visited Hussain’s residence at Nine Zero in Karachi, an event Hussain credited with restoring peace at that time.
To prevent further unrest, Hussain encouraged residents to form multi-ethnic neighborhood committees including both Muhajirs and Pashtuns. Such community-based action, he said, would help counter both criminal activity and attempts at ethnic division.
The MQM leader also expressed concern over the increasing number of traffic accidents in Karachi involving dumpers, tankers, and trailers—incidents he said have caused the deaths of innocent citizens from all backgrounds.
“The responsibility lies with the Sindh government,” Hussain said, criticizing provincial authorities for failing to enforce proper traffic regulations.
He proposed the introduction of designated routes and lanes for heavy vehicles, following international road safety standards. "In other countries, large vehicles are not allowed to enter small-vehicle lanes and strict penalties are imposed on violators. Karachi must adopt similar measures."
Closing his address, Hussain urged Karachi’s residents not to take the law into their own hands. “If a traffic accident occurs, do not attack the driver. Hand them over to the police,” he advised, emphasizing that justice should be served through legal channels.