A New Political Storm in Pakistan

Excerpts
That’s what he said: Zulfiqar Mirza lets it all out - By Salman Siddiqui, Express Tribune, August 29, 2011

In an explosive press conference on Sunday, senior Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Dr Zulfiqar Mirza not only announced his resignation from key posts within the party and the Sindh government, but also made some extraordinary allegations against his old nemesis, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM).

Dressed in a white shalwar kameez and the traditional Sindhi cap, Mirza arrived at the Karachi Press Club in a large convoy of SUVs along with his guards at around 4:20 pm. He brought a copy of the Holy Quran along with a briefcase filled with ‘documentary evidence’.
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Mirza also made a number of allegations against MQM leaders. Referring to the MQM’s Waseem Akhtar and Rauf Siddiqi, Mirza alleged that his predecessor home ministers were supplied two kilogrammes of cocaine by the Artillery Maidan SHO every month. “Before me, police stations were also auctioned,” he alleged.

Speaking about Ajmal Pahari, who is accused of killing over 100 people, Mirza said his interrogation has revealed that the MQM knew about the Ashura blast and that the party had planned an arson attack a day prior to the blast.

He urged the business community and industrialists to stop fearing the MQM. “I will lead you,” he said.

Mirza also targeted the current Citizens Police Liaison Committee chief Ahmed Chinoy and alleged that he was working at the MQM’s behest. “I ask Ahmed Chinoy whether the extortion racket is giving money to Baba Ladla or to your laadli (favourite).”

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Zulfiqar Mirza resigns from Sindh Assembly, blasts MQM
Dawn, August 29, 2011

He said he would continue to work as an ordinary party worker. He harshly criticized Federal Interior Minister Rehman Malik and termed him a compulsive liar and a threat to Pakistan’s security.
He said he had already told his party leadership that Malik could not be relied upon. He said that only one person is responsible for all killings in Karachi and that person is Rehman Malik.

Mirza leveled serious allegations on Muttahida Quami Movement and its chief Altaf Hussain. He termed the MQM and its head responsible for target killings in Karachi. He accused the Sindh Governor Ishratul Ibad of patronizing target killers.

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Related:
‘Malik hand in glove with terrorists’ - Khaleej Times
Analysis: What now after Zulfiqar Mirza’s bombshell? - Nasim Zehra, Express Tribune
MQM hits back at Mirza - Express Tribune
Mirza stirs up new political storm - The News