Army Chief Orders Inquiry Into MQM Activist’s Death

In an unprecedented move, Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif has ordered investigation into death of Mutahidda Qaumi Movement activist Aftab Ahmed during Rangers custody, media News reported.

Ahmed, coordinator of senior MQM leader Farooq Sattar, died in the custody of paramilitary force in Karachi. The political activist was picked by Rangers near Mukka Chowk on Sunday evening among seven suspects allegedly involved in terrorism activities. The army chief ordered the relevant authorities to ensure provision justice in the case.

He said a probe report be prepared inquiring facts into the death of activist and the same should be sent to General Headquarters (GHQ). On Tuesday, Director General Pakistan Rangers Sindh Major General Bilal Akbar ‘had assured that strict action will be taken against those responsible for this misconduct but maintained that Aftab’s death had occurred due to a heart attack. 

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During a telelvision interview, the DG Rangers though admitted that Ahmed was tortured during custody. Rangers had also issued a statement on death of MQM activist, stating that “Aftab had complained of chest pain early morning, after which he was taken to the hospital, but could not survive.” The issue hogged attention on the social media when pictures of MQM activist’s started going rounds bearing severe torutured marks.