KARACHI : Tensions between rival factions of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Pakistan escalated into violent clashes on Wednesday as workers of Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui and Mustafa Kamal groups engaged in physical confrontation following a party meeting at the Bahadurabad center.
The meeting, intended to address intra-party differences, descended into chaos as workers from both factions exchanged slogans, leading to a scuffle that quickly spiraled out of control. Aerial firing sent panic through the neighborhood as supporters took to the streets.
According to Dr. Farooq Sattar, the differences between the groups intensified after the meeting concluded. During the commotion, MPA Ijaz-ul-Haq and leader Zakir were reportedly manhandled by workers from the opposing faction. Female leaders Mangla Sharma and Sabeen Ghauri were also subjected to misbehavior, sources confirmed.
MQM leader Amin-ul-Haq stated that workers have been instructed to gather in the park adjacent to Bahadurabad, adding that organizational and legal action would be taken against those involved in the violence.
Police responded swiftly to the unrest, with SP Gulshan Iqbal arriving at the scene with a large contingent and cordoning off the area. Officials confirmed that bullet shells were recovered from the road following the sudden firing. Law enforcement successfully brought the situation under control, after which supporters from both groups dispersed.
