By S J A Jafri
KARACHI: Raza Haider, MQM leader and Haq Parast member Sindh Assembly and his guard Khalid Khan were assassinated here yesterday evening in Nazimabad area.
According to the details, unknown armed motorcyclists fired shots at Raza Haider and his guard when he was preparing to attend a funeral prayer at Jamia Masjid of Nazimabad Block No 2. An MQM worker Arslan was also killed in the incident.
Raza Haider, received a bullet in his head which proved fatal and he died when on his way to the Abbasi Shaheed Hospital. The guard Khalid Khan later succumbed to his injuries while receiving medical aid at the hospital.
Raza Haider was elected from PS-94 Karachi 6.
Separate incidents of firing were reported in different parts of the city shortly after the fatal attack on MQM leader. The incident sent a wave of fear and panic across the metropolis, as shopkeepers pulled down their shutters in view of any violent reaction by enraged people.
Interior Minister Rehman Malik condemned the incident, urging the people to remain calm. He termed the targeted killings in Karachi as a ‘latest tool’ being used to destabilize the country. Rehman Malik urged MQM leaders to wait for investigation and called upon the people to observe restraint.
He said he would soon hold a meeting with MQM leaders. MQM leaders Babar Ghauri and Haider Abbas Rizvi expressed profound grief on the tragic incident. “It would be difficult to put a cap on the chapter opened (today),” Babar Ghauri asserted.
Altaf demands high-level probe into killing of Raza Haider
KARACHI: Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), Chief Altaf Hussain yesterday called for a high-level probe into the murder of Raza Haider, MQM leader and a Member Sindh Assembly, who was shot dead by unknown assailants here last evening. Strongly condemning the killing of the MQM MPA, Altaf termed his killing as a big tragedy, said a statement issued by MQM here.
Altaf Hussain said MPA Raza Haider was one of the oldest and honest worker of the party and his murder is a irreparable loss for the MQM. He also condoled with the bereaved family members and said he himself and all activists of the MQM share their grief. Altaf has called upon the government to immediately arrest the culprits.
Karachi killings ‘attempt to destabilize city’: MQM
KARACHI: MQM leaders Babar Ghauri, Haider Abbas Rizvi and Faisal Sabzwari expressed profound grief on the killing of MQM MPA Raza Haider along with his guard here in Nazimabad yesterday.
“It would be difficult to put a cap on the chapter opened (today),” Babar Ghauri asserted. Talking to a local news channel they said the tragic incident was to destabilize the city, which is the economic hub of the country.
Unknown armed motorcyclists fired shots at MQM leader and MPA Raza Haider as well as his guard when he was preparing to attend a funeral prayer at Jamia Masjid of Nazimabad Block No.2. Raza Haider died while he was being shifted to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital. His guard succumbed to the bullet wounds later in the hospital.
President, PM strongly condemn MQM MPA killing
ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani have strongly condemned the killing of Raza Haider, MQM leader and Member Sindh Assembly, who was shot dead by unknown assailants in Karachi last evening.
The President and Prime Minister in their separate messages expressed shock and grief over the unfortunate incident and directed the concerned authorities to investigate the tragic happening and take all necessary steps to bring the culprits to justice.
They conveyed their condolences to the bereaved family and prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage to the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss with equanimity.
Raza Haider’s funeral today
KARACHI: MQM leader and Member Sindh Assembly, Raza Haider’s funeral prayer will be held here at Jinnah Ground near MQM Headquarter today.
He will be laid to rest in Azizabad’s graveyard.(NC Report)
