Sindh govt denies withdrawing security from MQM-P top leadership

Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon has rejected Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P)’s claim regarding the withdrawal of security, stating that the MQM-P is engaging in baseless propaganda on the matter, while in reality, security has not been withdrawn from anyone.

“It is being claimed that security has been withdrawn from the MQM-P leadership, but this assertion is contrary to the facts,” Sharjeel said. He added that the MQM-P is continuously spreading propaganda concerning the issue of security.

The statement comes following a claim of withdrawal of police security for senior ministers and lawmakers of MQM-P surfaced in media.

The high-profile figures reportedly affected by this move included federal minister Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Dr Farooq Sattar, Mustafa Kamal, Anees Kaimkhani, and Ali Khurshidi, Aaj News reported on Tuesday.

The MQM-P leadership has expressed “serious reservations,” claiming the decision was implemented without prior notice or formal justification. Party representatives suggested that the move might be a retaliatory response to their recent criticism of the Sindh government regarding the Gul Plaza tragedy. However, official sources have yet to confirm any political link.

READ MORE: Sindh Assembly session: MQM protests against govt response to Gul Plaza tragedy

The party has demanded a clear legal explanation for the change in security protocols, citing heightened threat levels. To address the situation, the MQM-P has convened an emergency press conference today at 4:00 PM to announce its future course of action and voice its security concerns.

Defending the move, Sindh Government Spokesperson Sadia Javed earlier attributed the withdrawal to a general shortage of police personnel in the city. Speaking to a private news channel, she clarified that the measure was not discriminatory.

“I do not have personal security, nor do many of the Sindh government’s own MPAs,” Sadia stated, adding that there must be valid administrative reasons behind the reassessment of security for MQM-P leaders.