Police have arrested 11 individuals in Karachi for allegedly participating in a gathering where slogans in support of MQM founder Altaf Hussain were raised and flags carrying his name were displayed.
According to police sources, the incident took place on Arif Jiyeja Street during a public gathering. Officers on patrol reportedly noticed a group of people chanting slogans and carrying flags bearing messages linked to Altaf Hussain and the All Pakistan Mohajir Students Organisation (APMSO).
Police said the gathering had the potential to create tension in the area and could disturb public peace. Additional police personnel were called to the location, after which the participants were surrounded and taken into custody.
A case has been registered against the arrested individuals under provisions of the Pakistan Penal Code related to promoting hostility and acting with common intent. Authorities have launched further investigations to determine whether more people were involved in organizing or participating in the event.
Law enforcement officials stated that maintaining public order remains a priority and action would be taken against any activity considered capable of creating unrest or provoking tensions among different groups.
Meanwhile, a faction associated with the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) rejected the allegations and claimed that workers were detained during a raid on an office located on I.I. Chundrigar Road. The group maintained that the office had no connection with political activities and demanded the immediate release of those arrested.
The arrests have once again brought attention to the political controversy surrounding Altaf Hussain, who founded the MQM after launching APMSO during his student years at the University of Karachi. Over the years, the MQM emerged as one of the most influential political forces in urban Sindh, particularly in Karachi.
However, the party faced major challenges after August 2016 when Altaf Hussain delivered a controversial speech that led to a strong reaction from state institutions and political circles. Following the speech, authorities initiated a large-scale crackdown, several party offices were sealed, and many senior MQM leaders in Pakistan publicly distanced themselves from him.
Since then, expressions of support for Altaf Hussain have remained a sensitive issue, often drawing legal action from authorities. Political observers believe the latest arrests reflect the continued scrutiny surrounding activities linked to the former MQM leader.
