A motorcycle burns after being set on fire 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 grief over the reported martyrdom of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and conveyed solidarity with the people of Iran and those grieving the loss.
The Chief Minister also referred to a tragic incident at the US Consulate General, Karachi, which resulted in loss of life, 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 disrupt 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 sentiment under control and maintain calm. The scholars informed him of plans to hold a Majlis at Numaish Chowrangi, after which the Chief Minister directed the administration and the police to ensure complete security arrangements for the gathering.
He appealed to religious leaders and people of all schools 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 the law enforcement agencies to ensure law and order at all costs.
He also urged citizens to cooperate with the authorities, stating that protecting public life and property remained the government’s top priority.
Bilawal expresses grief
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Saturday expressed deep grief over the martyrdom of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, saying the development had sent shock waves across the world.
According to a statement issued by the Bilawal House media cell, the PPP chairman said the news had caused deep grief not only in Iran but among people globally. He appealed for patience and courage to the bereaved, stressing 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 involving Iran, Israel and the Gulf countries could have dangerous consequences for both regional stability and global peace.
PML-F condemns attack
Separately, PML-F Sindh General Secretary Sardar Abdul Rahim also expressed deep grief over Khamenei’s martyrdom after Israeli bombardment, terming the incident very alarming for regional peace and stability.
In a statement, he described the development as a great tragedy for the Muslim Ummah and strongly condemned the violence, firing and shelling of protesters in Karachi, calling the loss of innocent lives and injuries deplorable.
He urged the Sindh government to immediately announce compensation to 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, important installations and along major arteries in the city. The teams carry out continuous patrolling and surveillance to quickly respond to any untoward incident.
The paramilitary force urged citizens to refrain from lawlessness, vandalism and violent protests during any demonstration and warned that no attempt to disturb the peace will be tolerated. Strict legal action will be taken against elements found involved in creating disorder, the spokesperson added.
The public has been asked to cooperate with law enforcement agencies and report any suspicious activity or offense to the Rangers helpline at 1101 or through Madadgar WhatsApp number 0347-9001111.
