Martyrdom of Raza Haider is a profound tragedy: Altaf Hussain

London: 2-August-2010. Mr. Altaf Hussain, founder and leader of Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) expressed his most serious condemnation on the assassination of MPA Raza Haider and termed it a great tragedy for the nation. He further stated that, this assassination did not only make his heart bleed, rather every supporter and worker of the MQM is in the state of despair and grief. The deceased was one of the early and solemn members of the MQM from its days of inception, and his contributions to the MQM were indispensable. He said that his death is a huge loss to the ranks and file of the MQM. Mr. Altaf Hussain also expressed his most solemn and humble condolences to the members of the bereaved family of the deceased Raza Haider, and assured them that he and the MQM stand with them in their hour of grief. He also prayed that May! Almighty Allah rests his soul in Janat- Al- Firdous and grants the strength and patience to his friends and family to bear this loss. Mr. Altaf Hussain further added that the death of Raza Haider shall not go in vain. Mr. Altaf Hussain made an earnest appeal to President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani and all the concerned personnel to inquire into the death of MPA Raza Haider and apprehend his killers as soon as possible.

RAZA HAIDER LAID TO REST

MQM leader Raza Haider was laid to rest at the Martyrs Graveyard in Yaseenabad.

Earlier, the funeral prayers of Raza Haider and his gunman Muhammad Khalid were held at Jinnah Ground in Azizabad.

A large number of Muttahida Qaumi movement leaders, party workers and other citizens attended the prayers. The funeral prayers observed under stringent security and the participants were being allowed entry in Jinnah Ground after thorough search.

Unknown assailants had gunned down Raza Haider and his gunman in a mosque on Monday where he came to offer funeral prayers of a relative.

Karachi Police Chief Wasim Ahmad said 10 walk through gates were established at entry routes of Jinnah Ground whereas separate route was established for VIPs. Aerial vigilance was also carried out at the route of funeral procession and graveyard, he added.