Muttahida Quami Movement - USA (Houston Chapter) Stages Peaceful Protest at Pakistani Consulate Against Extrajudicial Killings of MQM Workers
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Posted on: 8/16/2024
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Muttahida Quami Movement - USA (Houston Chapter) Stages Peaceful Protest at Pakistani Consulate Against Extrajudicial Killings of MQM Workers
Houston, Texas - August 16, 2024
A peaceful protest was held in front of the Pakistani Consulate in Houston, Texas, organized by the Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) USA Houston Chapter. The demonstration focused on condemning the extrajudicial killing of senior MQM activist Naeem Akhtar and other MQM workers who were imprisoned in Central Jail Karachi.
Syed Atif Shamim, a member of the Central Coordination Committee, spoke at the protest, highlighting the increasing atrocities against MQM founder Altaf Hussain and his loyal supporters. He revealed that Naeem Akhtar had been imprisoned for five years under politically motivated charges. Despite a court order, he was denied medical treatment, leading to his death under torture, making him a martyr for the cause.
Syed Atif Shamim also pointed out that Naeem Akhtar’s death was not an isolated incident, as more than 14 MQM workers have been killed extrajudicially in jails prior to this. The protesters called on the Government of Sindh, the Federal Government of Pakistan, and international human rights organizations to conduct a transparent investigation into these martyrdoms, particularly that of Naeem Akhtar Shaheed. They also demanded the immediate lifting of the illegal and unconstitutional ban on the writings, speeches, and images of Altaf Hussain, who is seen as the only unanimous leader of the Mohajir community.
Fawad Ahmed, the In-charge of the MQM Houston Chapter, emphasized that the Mohajirs should be recognized as Pakistanis and warned that those responsible for the unjust bloodshed would eventually be held accountable.
Engr. Asim Rizvi, the Joint In-charge, stated that the nation would never forgive those who betrayed the Mohajir ideology. Muhammad Burhan, a member of the chapter committee, added that Altaf Hussain's ideology resonates with the hearts of the oppressed.
Senior members of the Houston Chapter, including Naseeruddin, Syed Ahsan Raza, and Shahzad Bhai (Hafiz ji), reiterated the importance of a transparent investigation into these killings. They also demanded the immediate release of captive and missing MQM workers.
Despite the intense heat, a large number of MQM sympathizers and supporters participated in the protest. They raised slogans demanding justice for Naeem Akhtar Shaheed and other martyrs, and placards with the hashtag #JusticeForNaeemAkhtar were prominently displayed.
A protest memorandum was also submitted to the Pakistani Consul General on behalf of MQM founder Altaf Hussain, which included demands for a thorough investigation into the killings and the lifting of restrictions on political activities imposed on MQM.
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8/24/2024 7:17:10 PM
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