KARACHI - Political parties on Tuesday held public gatherings and took out rallies to remember the massacre of May 12, 2007 when more than 40 people were killed in violent clashes between the armed groups on the arrival of the then deposed chief justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Chaudhry.
The lawyers boycotted the proceedings of the courts.
The JI held an all parties conference at its Karachi headquarters tilted “The ongoing terrorism in Karachi from May 12 incident to Baldia factory inferno. How the peace would be restored in Karachi?”. The APC was attended by several political leaders including Younus Barai, Iqbal Aqeel advocate, Younus Sohan, Raffat Awan, Mufti Hammadullah Madani, Siddique Rathore, Aqeel Anjum Qadri, Hafiz Amjad Hazarvi, Hafiz Naeemur Rehman, Naeem Qureshi, Aslam Khan Ghauri, Irfan Marwat and others.
The participants unanimously approved a resolution which demanded sacking of Sindh governor, judicial inquiry into the tragedy of May 12, April 9, 12 Rabiul Awwal, Baldia factory inferno and other incidents, and also targeted operation against the criminals in Karachi.
JI Pakistan secretary general Liaquat Baloch termed May 12 the blackest day in the country’s history in which 60 innocent people were killed. He termed it a national tragedy.
He said MQM workers enjoyed the full support of law enforcement authorities on May 12 to carry on their criminal activities. He asserted that targeted operation against criminals should be continued without any discrimination for restoration of lasting peace in Karachi. “United efforts should be needed to uproot terrorism activities from country particularly from Karachi,” he added. Baloch demanded impartial inquiry of all terrorism incidents including May 12, April 9, Baldia factory inferno and others. The authorities concerned should dismiss the Sindh governor immediately and appoint impartial governor in the province.
He urged the civil, military establishment and government to adopt neutral strategy in the larger interest of Pakistan and launch effective operation against the agents of RAW and KGB. He said the killers of Dr Imran Farooq would get the same treatment like the killer of Shahid Hamid, former CEO KESC, had got. “The JI will continue raising its voice for the due rights of the people of Karachi.” PML-N leader Irfanullah Marwat said the plan of May 12 was prepared at Nine-Zero and Sindh Governor House. The MQM, PPP and PTI are responsible for damaging the country by patronising the terrorists. He demanded suo moto into May 12 mayhem, adding the accused involved should bring into the court of law.
Aslam Ghauri said the targeted operation should be conducted till the end of last criminal regardless of any cast, colour and creed. He demanded inclusion of Pervez Musharraf’s name into the FIR of May 12. Karachi Bar Council president Naeem Qureshi said the clerics should unite to eliminate external forces and its allies from the country.
JI Karachi Ameer Hafiz Naeem said more than 60 people lost their lives in May 12 tragedy. All the political and religious parties should come at the same page for bringing peace in the country.  He demanded proper investigation and inquiry from Sindh Governor Ishratul Ebad after his dismissal, saying MQM has introduced gunny-bag bodies, targeted killing and extortion culture in Karachi. Ghauri said the dictators and political parties were responsible for producing anarchy in the country.
Siddique Rathore demanded the Chief Justice of Pakistan to take suo moto into May 12 incident. Aqeel Anjum urged the people to come forward and play their role towards restoration of peace in Karachi. Mufti Hammadullah Madani demanded supremacy of Islamic laws in the country.
Earlier, a documentary in connection with the May 12 incident was also shown to the participants. Moreover, rallies were also taken out in the city against the May 12 incident with Awami National Party’s rally at II Chundrigar Road and Sindh National Party’s rally at Karachi Press Club.
Muttahida Qaumi Movement also organised Quran Khuwani at Jinnah Ground to pay tribute to its martyrs of May 12. MQM lawmakers, members of coordination committee and activists also participated in it. Farooq Sattar said May 12 incident was a conspiracy against MQM to halt its journey to other parts of the country. It not only damaged the image of the country but also inflicted heavy loss on the MQM.