The sudden withdrawal of police security cover for key ministers and Sindh Assembly members of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Pakistan has created concern in political and government circles.

Those whose security has been withdrawn include Federal Minister Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Dr Farooq Sattar, Mustafa Kamal, Anees Qaimkhani and Sindh Assembly member Ali Khorshidi.

MQM leaders expressed serious reservations over the decision, saying they were not given any clear reason for the withdrawal of security.

Party leaders said the move was taken without prior notice, raising concerns over the safety of senior leaders.

According to MQM leaders, recent criticism of the Sindh government over the Gul Plaza tragedy could be behind the decision, though no official explanation has been issued by the authorities.

The party said that if security arrangements have been changed, the reasons and legal basis should be clearly stated.

To present its stance publicly, MQM Pakistan has called an emergency press conference at 4pm today, where the security decision, possible risks and the party’s future course of action are expected to be discussed.

No detailed statement has so far been issued at the official level regarding the withdrawal of security.