ALTAF HUSSAIN APPEALS TO PRIME MINISTER, FEDERAL INTERIOR ADVISER, CHIEF MINISTER SINDH AND THE FEDERAL AND PROVINCIAL CABINET TO TAKE NOTICE OF THE TALIBANISATION OF KARACHI AND SINDH
Mr Altaf Hussain, MQM Founder & Leader, has stated that the political instability in the country, threats at our border, the situation after the elections of 18th February 2008 to date and the growing indifference on certain issues between the PPP and the PML-N alliance which made the PML-N to quit the coalition Government, deteriorating situation in Northern Areas and the NWFP has further deteriorated the situation. Moreover, the issue of restoration of judges has not been resolved. As a result, every Pakistani citizen is distressed and very concerned. He was expressing these views while addressing an important session at the MQM International Secretariat London. The session was attended by Governor Sindh Dr Ishrat Ul Ebad Khan, Senior Deputy Convenor Tariq Jawaid, City Nazim Mustafa Kamal, Members of MQM Coordination Committee, Provincial Minister for IT Raza Haroon, Member of Provincial Assembly Ms Zareen Majeed, Members of International Secretariat and Members of various organisational wings of MQM.
Mr Hussain said that through a well-planned conspiracy Taliban from all over the country are being transported to settle in Karachi, the largest city of Pakistan and the only port city which serves as the gateway to Central Asia. Mr Hussain said that he has always kept his supporters well-informed of the facts and made them aware of dangers ahead. He reminded that he has been persistently informing the liberal minded and educated people of Karachi and Sindh for the past few months and more recently at the reception of the business community that conspiracy has been hatched for the Talibanisation of Karachi in particular and Sindh in general. He appealed to people from all walks of life to take serious notice and come forward to save Karachi and Sindh from Talibanisation. Every citizen should understand the conspiracy, educate others of the threat and make necessary arrangements to protect themselves and their community.
Mr Hussain appealed to the Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani, Federal Interior Adviser Rehman Malik, Chief Minister Sindh Qaim Ali Shah and the Federal and Provincial Cabinet to take notice of the influx and import of Talibanisation to Karachi and to prevent the illegal encroachment of land. He also appealed to all the political and religious parties not to engage in confrontation as the country is faced with a critical situation which demands that all issues must be resolved through honourable and meaningful dialogue and negotiations. Mr Hussain specially appealed to the leaders of the coalition partners, i.e. PPP, MQM and ANP, to make a united concerted effort to prevent the influx of religious extremists and fanatics to Karachi and formulate a line of action so that any terrorist activity or incident is not turned into ethnic or linguistic riots. He said that this is very important that all coalition partners should proactively discourage the spread of ethnic hatred and prevent ethnic or linguistic riots.
Mr Hussain instructed the MQM Coordination Committee to refrain from reacting to provocative statements as the MQM does not want confrontation with anyone. Having ideological and political differences is part of democracy but to flare up such differences is not in the interest of the country. He advised the MQM leaders and workers to observe restraint and remain calm and committed.
