A Strong Response to Political Accusations
Barrister Arsalan Islam Shaikh, the Mayor of Sukkur and Spokesman for the Sindh government, has issued a firm response to recent remarks made by MQM-P leader Farooq Sattar during a press conference. His comments reflect a clear stance against what he perceives as baseless accusations and a call for accountability from political leaders.
“The public can now clearly distinguish between lies, past destruction, and present-day service,” he said, emphasizing the need for transparency and genuine reform. In addressing Farooq Sattar’s allegations, Barrister Arsalan pointed out that Sattar should first examine his own actions before making claims against others.
He criticized the party that Sattar is associated with, stating, “He still stands with the party that turned Karachi into a hub of gunny-bagged corpses, ethnic hatred, and organized violence.” This reference highlights a dark chapter in the city’s history, particularly on May 12, 2007, when the city witnessed one of its most violent days.
A Dark Chapter in Karachi’s History
On that day, dozens were ruthlessly killed, and media houses, buildings, offices, factories, and vehicles were set ablaze. Fire brigades and ambulances were blocked, leaving the injured in peril. The city was engulfed in chaos, with bloodshed becoming a grim reality. Barrister Arsalan emphasized that this was not just an act of violence but a display of political muscle.
“If his conscience is still alive, Farooq Sattar must immediately dissociate himself from the party that destroyed Karachi – and publicly apologize to its people,” he urged, calling for a reevaluation of Sattar’s political affiliations.
Addressing the Issue of Dilapidated Buildings
Regarding the issue of dilapidated buildings, Barrister Arsalan clarified that the Sindh Government is taking action to protect human lives, under judicial oversight. He stressed that the government’s intent is not to make people homeless but to ensure their safety. The focus remains on safeguarding lives while implementing necessary measures.
A Decade of Turmoil
Barrister Arsalan also reflected on the period from 2001 to 2011, which he described as a dark decade marked by ethnic, institutional, and social collapse in Karachi. During this time, fake NOCs were issued, welfare lands were encroached upon, extortion rackets thrived, and land mafias were given open patronage. He called for real accountability, starting with this era of turmoil.
Recognizing Local Leadership
In a positive note, Barrister Arsalan paid tribute to Sindh Local Government Minister Saeed Ghani, highlighting his efforts in revitalizing and empowering the local governance system. Under his leadership, powers, development funds, and planning authority have been devolved down to the union council level. Local representatives are no longer symbolic; they are truly empowered and serving the people.
Saeed Ghani has turned local government into a living institution by delivering practical results in education, sanitation, urban services, and road infrastructure. His vision is rooted in integrity, transparency, and performance, rather than political rhetoric.
A Call for Reform and Accountability
Barrister Arsalan made a clear demand to Farooq Sattar: “If he truly believes in reform, his first step should be to resign from the party that promoted hate, destruction, and fear in Karachi – and apologize to the people to join democratic politics with a clean slate.”
The PPP’s stance is clear: Urdu-speaking and Sindhi citizens are equal. They reject ethnic politics, and public service, harmony, and unity are their core values.
Commitment to Progress
The people of Sindh now understand that noise, blame games, and politics of hatred have no future. The Sindh Government remains committed to its vision – transparency, progress, rule of law, and public welfare. It will respond to negative politics only through performance.
