The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), the largest party in Pakistan's biggest city, today called on the government to invoke constitutional powers and hand over administration of Karachi to the armed forces.
The demand came in a statement issued by MQM chief Altaf Hussain from London. MQM's parliamentary leader Farooq Sattar told reporters in Islamabad that the law and order situation in Karachi was getting worse by the day.
"We are making no undemocratic or unconstitutional demand. We are making our demand according to the Constitution, which says Article 245 can be invoked to call in the army to help control a law and order situation," Sattar said.
"The situation in Karachi is worsening. Killings, robberies, kidnappings for ransom and other crimes have paralysed the city. Criminals are being patronised and the situation has gone beyond control," Sattar said.
Article 245 of the Constitution says, The armed forces shall, under the directions of the Federal Government, defend Pakistan against external aggression or threat of war, and, subject to law, act in aid of civil power when called upon to do so.
In his statement, Hussain said the situation of Karachi was worsening day by day and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif should hand over responsibilities of the city to army.
Karachi has witnessed a steep spiral in violence and crime with extortion, kidnappings, street crimes and target killings on the rise.
