A motorcycle burns after being set ablaze by unidentified men near the US Consulate during a protest against the assassination of Iran’s 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 sorrow over the reported martyrdom of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, and conveyed solidarity with the people of Iran and those mourning the loss.
The chief minister also referred to a tragic incident at the Consulate General of the United States, Karachi, which resulted in loss of lives, and directed 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 under control and maintain calm. The scholars informed him about plans to hold a Majlis at Numaish Chowrangi, after which the chief minister directed the administration and police to ensure full security arrangements for the gathering.
He appealed to religious leaders and people from 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 the law into their own hands and directed law enforcement agencies to ensure law and order at all costs.
He also urged citizens to cooperate with authorities, stating that protecting the lives and property of the public remained the government’s top priority.
Bilawal expresses grief
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Saturday expressed profound grief over the martyrdom of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, saying the development had sent shockwaves worldwide.
According to a statement issued by the Bilawal House media cell, the PPP chairman said the news had caused deep sorrow not only in Iran but among people globally. He prayed for patience and fortitude for the bereaved and stressed that the loss of precious human lives due to violence and war posed a serious challenge to regional peace and security.
Bilawal warned that escalating tensions involving Iran, Israel and Gulf countries could have dangerous consequences for both regional stability and global peace.
PML-F denounces attack
Separately, PML-F Sindh Secretary General Sardar Abdul Rahim also expressed deep grief over Khamenei’s martyrdom following Israeli bombardment, terming the incident highly alarming for regional peace and stability.
In a statement, he described the development as a major tragedy for the Muslim Ummah and strongly condemned violence, firing and shelling on protesters in Karachi, calling the loss of innocent lives and injuries regrettable.
He urged the Sindh government to immediately announce compensation for the families of the deceased and the injured, while advising protesters to remain peaceful.
Rangers up deployment
In view of the prevailing security situation, Sindh Rangers have deployed a heavy contingent of mobile vigilance teams in various parts of the metropolis to ensure the maintenance of law and order.
According to a Sindh Rangers spokesperson, the deployment has been made in sensitive areas, key installations and along major arteries of the city. The teams are carrying out continuous patrolling and surveillance to quickly respond to any untoward incident.
The paramilitary force urged citizens to refrain from lawlessness, vandalism and violent protest during any demonstrations, warning that no attempt to disrupt peace will be tolerated. Strict legal action will be taken against elements found involved in creating disorder, the spokesperson added.
The public has been requested to cooperate with law enforcement agencies and report any suspicious activity or violation of law to the Rangers helpline at 1101 or via Madadgar WhatsApp number 0347-9001111.
