A motorcycle burns after being set ablaze by unidentified men near the US consulate during a protest against the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Israeli-US airstrikes on the Islamic Republic. Photo: PPI
KARACHI:
Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Sunday expressed deep sadness over the alleged martyrdom of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and expressed solidarity with the Iranian people and those mourning the loss.
The chief minister also referred to a tragic incident at the US Consulate General in Karachi, which resulted in loss of lives, and directed the authorities to conduct an impartial investigation. He stressed that at a time when the country was facing a war-like situation, any attempt to disturb peace and order was unacceptable.
Murad Ali Shah contacted religious scholars, including Allama Shehenshah Naqvi and Allama Shabbir Meesami, urging them to help keep public sentiments in check and maintain calm. The scholars briefed him about plans to organize a Majlis at Numaish Chowrangi, after which the chief minister asked the administration and police to ensure complete security of the gathering.
He called on religious leaders and people of all schools of thought to guide the public towards maintaining peace and harmony. The chief minister reiterated that the government would not allow anyone to take law into their own hands and asked the law enforcement agencies to ensure law and order at all costs.
He also urged citizens to cooperate with authorities, saying the protection of public lives and property remained the government’s top priority.
Bilawal expresses his grief
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Saturday expressed deep sadness over the martyrdom of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, saying the development had sent shockwaves across the world.
According to a statement issued by the Bilawal House media cell, the PPP chairman said the news had caused deep sadness not only in Iran but also among people around the world. He prayed for the patience and courage of the bereaved and stressed that the loss of precious lives due to violence and war posed a serious challenge to regional peace and security.
Bilawal warned that escalating tensions between Iran, Israel and the Gulf countries could have dangerous consequences for regional stability and world peace.
The PML-F denounces an attack
Meanwhile, PML-F Sindh General Secretary Sardar Abdul Rahim also expressed deep sadness over Khamenei’s martyrdom following Israeli shelling, terming the incident very alarming for regional peace and stability.
In a statement, he described the development as a major tragedy for the Muslim Ummah and strongly condemned the violence, firing and shelling against protesters in Karachi, terming the loss of innocent lives and injuries regrettable.
He urged the Sindh government to immediately announce compensation for the families of the victims and injured, while advising protesters to remain peaceful.
Ranger deployment
In view of the current security situation, Sindh Rangers have deployed a large contingent of mobile vigilance teams in various parts of the metropolis to ensure maintenance of law and order.
According to a Sindh Rangers spokesperson, the deployment was carried out in sensitive areas, key installations and along the main arteries of the city. The teams carry out continuous patrols and surveillance to respond quickly to any untoward incidents.
The paramilitary forces urged citizens to refrain from lawless acts, vandalism and violent protest during any demonstration, warning that any attempt to disrupt the peace will not be tolerated. Strict legal action will be taken against the elements involved in creating trouble, the spokesperson added.
The public has been asked to cooperate with law enforcement and report any suspicious activities or violations of law to the Rangers helpline at 1101 or via Madadgar WhatsApp number 0347-9001111.
