Altaf Hussain offers unconditional support to the government

ALTAF HUSSAIN OFFERS UNCONDITIONAL SUPPORT TO THE GOVERNMENT AND THE DEFENCE INSTITUTIONS OF THE COUNTRY
Country is faced with critical situation; our nuclear assets are at risk

Mr Altaf Hussain, MQM Founder & Leader, has stated that the country is faced with critical situation, our nuclear assets are at risk, therefore, and we must refrain from issuing provocative statements against foreign powers so as not to provide them with justification to carry out an attack on Pakistan. The MQM in the past has offered unconditional support to the Government and today once again we offer our unconditional support to the Government and defence institutions for the safety and security of the country. Mr Hussain expressed these views while addressing a meeting at the International Secretariat of MQM in London. The meeting was attended by the Governor Sindh Dr Ishrat Ul Ebad Khan, City Nazim Mustafa Kamal, Members of MQM Coordination Committee Muhammad Anwar, Syed Tariq Mir, Senator Babar Ghauri, Adil Siddiqui, Javed Kazmi, Waseem Aftab, Mustafa Azizabadi, Ashfaq Manghi, Provincial Minister for IT Raza Haroon and Member Provincial Assembly of Sindh Nisar Pahnwar.

Mr Hussain said that he has recently issued repeated statements drawing the attention of the people at the helm of affairs towards danger and deteriorating situation in FATA and tribal areas. He said that he emphasised that if concrete steps are not taken to tackle this situation and the spread of terrorism then it might be too late. He said that all his apprehensions have come true and every citizen is aware that US leaders, military officials and President of Afghanistan have said that if the situation is not controlled then they will no longer do dialogue or share intelligence with Pakistan and have warned that they will carry out unilateral attacks on Pakistani areas used for terrorist attacks on Afghanistan. Mr Hussain said that the Prime Minister himself has acknowledged that tribal areas are harbouring Uzbek, Chechan and other foreign elements who are engaging in warfare with the security forces and committing acts of terrorism. They are beheading captives and throwing the bodies on streets. Addressing the political and religious parties Mr Hussain asked does Islam teaches us to behead Muslim brothers. It is, therefore, essential that the Government should take concrete steps to tackle terrorism or else if the American and NATO forces will attack the tribal areas and the FATA region then it will highly detrimental to the country. Pakistan is already faced with threats at borders, the lawyers community must also rethink whether their priority should be to join the struggle to save the country or continue with the movement for restoration of judges. The PML-N and PPP should also resolve their differences through dialogue and take into confidence all the coalition partners and also the opposition parties with a view to save the country.
Mr Hussain appealed to all political and religious parties not to issue provocative statements nationally or internationally against foreign powers so that to provide them with a justification to attack our borders. He requested all the political and religious parties to demonstrate patriotism, maturity and sincerity at this crucial time. He informed that information has reached that our nuclear assets are in danger but instead of grasping the depth of current situation we are still busy in making tall claims of erecting our national flag at the Delhi Red Fort. Such was the state of affairs when we lost half the country in 1971. We must refrain from issuing provocative statements and be sensible in our political approach. Mr Hussain reminded that the MQM has already offered its unconditional support to the Government and feeling the need of time the MQM once again offers its unconditional support to the Government and the defence institutions for the safety and security of the country. He prayed to Almighty Allah for the safety and security of Pakistan.
During the meeting Mr Hussain also offered fateha for lat Syed Hashim Ali, former Haq Parast Member of Provincial Assembly, who passed away in Leicester City recently.

Monday, July 14, 2008 - BAITULLAH MEHSUD, Taliban Militant Commander

BAITULLAH MEHSUD














(BBC NEWS REPORT)

Baitullah Mehsud, the 34-year-old pro-Taleban militant commander, fits the part of the Pakistani tribal guerrilla leader to the hilt.

But there is something extra about him as well.



The few journalists who have met him speak of his earnest desire to support his actions by his interpretation of Islamic ideals.



The emphasis here is on jihad (holy war) against foreign occupying forces in Afghanistan and the establishment of an Islamic state.

These include the use of suicide bombers and cross-border attacks on international forces based there.

There is also his aversion to publicity in general, and to photography in particular.

“He does not allow his picture to be taken,” says a journalist who has met the commander.

It is an aversion he shares with Taleban supreme commander Mullah Omar, with whom he is said to have a “good relationship”.

Baitullah Mehsud, as his name suggests, belongs to the Mehsud tribe in Pakistan’s troubled South Waziristan region.

The area is now said to be a safe haven for al-Qaeda and the Taleban.

In this regard, Baitullah Mehsud is said to have played a major role, especially in providing a sanctuary for fighters to operate in Afghanistan.

Commander Mehsud makes no bones about this, and says it is in fact the duty of every Muslim to wage jihad against “the infidel forces of America and Britain”.

The militant leader on several occasions has openly admitted to crossing the border to fight foreign troops.

Since 9/11 he has grown in strength and stature, making him the most important pro-Taleban militant commander in the Waziristan region.

He is said to operate under a legendary Afghan Taleban commander, Jalaluddin Haqqani.

Jalaluddin Haqqani is believed to have helped Osama Bin Laden escape US bombing in Afghanistan’s Tora Bora mountains in early 2002.

Baitullah Mehsud himself is said to command about 20,000 pro-Taleban militants.

A majority of these belong to the Mehsud tribe.

The militant commander is said to be the man who has masterminded most of the recent suicide attacks in the country.

While he has admitted to targeting military personnel in reprisal attacks, he denied attacking any political figures.

PEOPLE OF SINDH SHOULD FORM “DEFFENCE COMMITTEES” TO SAVE KARACHI FROM TALIBANISATION

Mr Altaf Hussain, MQM Founder & Leader, while welcoming the ANP for forming defence committees in NWFP against Talibanisation has announced that the people of Sindh will also form “defence committees” to save Karachi from Talibanisation. We Karachiites and people of Sindh reject imposition of baton-wielding and self imposed shariat and Talibanisation of Karachi. MQM will encourage and support the area residents in forming “defence committees”. In unity is victory – with change in our thinking process a lot will change. Mr Hussain reiterated that Sindh is the land of Sufis and Saints and is void of discrimination and Karachi is the capital of Sindh Province. MQM and its leadership have always kept the public well-informed of future threats and apprehensions. Recently in his statements and speeches through newspapers and electronic media he has been warning of the threats, which have come true. Addressing the audience Mr Hussain said that they were called today to attend this hurriedly called session because it was essential to apprise them about the future and that he considered it his national obligation to disclose the facts. He was expressing his views while simultaneously addressing meetings of Defence Clifton Residents Committee and Society Residents Committee. The meetings were also attended by Members of MQM Coordination Committee, Provincial Ministers, Members of National and Provincial Assemblies.

Recalling his statements of last couple of weeks with reference to the political scenario, uncertainty, flight of capital, deteriorating economic condition, worsening law and order situation etc Mr Hussain said that billions of dollars of investment and capital is being shifted from Pakistan to abroad. As a result our currency is weakening against dollar by the day. All stock exchange markets of the country including the Karachi Stock Exchange are falling down. Industries including the textile industry are closing down. Inflation is on the all time high and as a result of unemployment, people are compelled to commit suicide or sell their children.

Mr Hussain said that soon after the Elections of 18th February 2008, the people of Pakistan took a sigh of relief and hoped that everything will be fine, peace will be established and the law and order situation will improve. Instead kidnapping for ransom, robbery, street crimes have increased manifold as compared to the past.
Mr Hussain said that he has been warning of the potential threats at our borders and anything can happen if the government fails to tackle the law and order, control the increasing activities of Talibanisation in tribal areas, control the suicide attacks; and address the issues in FATA, tribal areas, North and South Waziristan. Large number of people including Taliban members from these areas are coming to Karachi and illegally occupying vacant properties and land. This is a well-planned conspiracy to Talibanise Karachi. Mr Hussain asked the audience if they were in favour of Talibanisation of Karachi, want the girls schools and colleges burnt, ban women from employment, ban women from doing business, confine women to homes only, have womenfolk to strictly obey purdah and wear the “shuttle-cock style burqah” when they come out? Everyone replied… “No”.

Mr Hussain asked the audience are they all prepared and arranged protection for themselves and their properties? They replied… “No”. He commented the angels will not come on earth to protect them. He emphasised that his fears are coming true and the danger has already entered the city. Recently, the Taliban have pasted posters in different parts of the city and warned the truck drivers not to transport fuel to NATO. They have threatened to burn such trucks and behead its driver. He referred to a few news items appearing in today’s national and international newspapers with reference to US warnings to Pakistan to tackle the issue of Talibanisation in the tribal areas and also that US will no longer share intelligence and if Pakistan does not take action then US will be compelled to take action.
Mr Hussain said that if the US attacks Pakistan then the influx to Karachi will increase. The city’s outskirts today are surrounded by population and madressahs on illegally encroached lands. We are Muslims and will remain Muslims till our last breath. And, therefore, we reject the imposition Taliban shariat, suicide shariat, baton-wielding shariat or self-imposed version of shariat. The very same people are involved in criminal activities such as kidnapping for ransom, robbery and street crimes. With every passing day these criminals are getting more and more encouraged as no action is being taken against them. The threat of Talibanisation of Karachi is very much present.
Mr Hussain assured the audience that MQM being the representative political party is busy in discussions and meetings to find ways and means to tackle this issue but this is not the responsibility of the MQM alone, we must be alert, This is the question of security and safety for our coming generations. We must now without wasting more time establish chawkidari system in our areas and hold community meetings to communicate with each other. Mr Hussain reiterated that Sindh is the land of Sufis and Saints and is void of discrimination and Karachi is the capital of Sindh Province. He stressed on the need to mobilise the permanent settlers of Sindh who live and die in this province and don’t send their remittance elsewhere to stand united to face the challenges ahead.
Mr Hussain while welcoming the ANP for forming defence committees in NWFP against Talibanisation has announced that the people of Sindh will also form “defence committee” to save Karachi from Talibanisation. Even before the formation of Taliban we prayed to Allah Almighty, observed fasting in the month of Ramadhan and performed all our religious duties and obligations according to Islamic teachings. Therefore, we Karachiites and people of Sindh reject imposition of baton-wielding and self imposed shariat and Talibanisation of Karachi. MQM will encourage and support the area residents in forming “defence committees”.

He appealed to all the Haq Parast elected representatives including the Members of National Assembly, Members of Provincial Assembly, Town Nazims etc to coordinate with residents and make regular visits to hold meetings. In unity is victory – with change in our thinking process a lot will change.

Sunday, July 13, 2008 - Clashes Erupt in Pakistan's NW; Adm Mullen Makes Surprise Visit

Clashes Erupt in Pakistan's NW; Adm Mullen Makes Surprise Visit

At least 20 people were killed Saturday in fighting between security forces and pro-Taliban insurgents in volatile northwestern Pakistan, according to officials and witnesses.

The violence came during an unannounced, one-day visit to Pakistan by Adm. Michael Mullen, the Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman. Mullen met with President Pervez Musharraf; Pakistan's army chief, Gen. Ashfaq Kiyani; and other officials before returning to Washington.

During his meetings, Mullen expressed concern about insurgents flowing into Afghanistan from Pakistan, according to his spokesman.

The fighting Saturday began when insurgents attacked an army convoy near the town of Zargari in North-West Frontier Province, a region where the Taliban has gained strength in recent months. Witnesses said the insurgents fired rockets, grenades and automatic rifles at the security forces, who responded with heavy fire from ground artillery and helicopter gunships.

A local official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said as many as 16 paramilitary soldiers were among the dead. Local officials said five insurgents were killed, but Taliban sources said one of their fighters had died.

Residents said four civilians were killed in indiscriminate fire from both sides.

"It is really sad that our whole town suddenly became a battleground between local Taliban and security forces, which has paralyzed life," said Mohammand Aurangzeb, a teacher.

Tensions have been high in the area since last week, when security forces arrested six Taliban fighters. In retaliation, insurgents attacked a police station and captured 29 people.

"We will release them only when the government frees our Taliban prisoners," Maulvi Omar, the spokesman for the Pakistani Taliban, said in an interview Friday. He threatened to kill the captives, who he said include soldiers, paramilitary forces and police.

Since coming to power in February elections, the government has been trying to negotiate with insurgents. But after months of failed talks, the government has moved troops into the restive regions.

Meanwhile, mortar fire from Afghanistan wounded several Pakistani soldiers Friday in the turbulent tribal area of South Waziristan. Pakistani Maj. Gen. Athar Abbas told the Associated Press it was unclear whether the fire came from NATO-led foreign forces or Afghan forces. He said Pakistani troops returned fire, and "casualties were reported on the other side."

The incident came a month after Pakistan reported that 11 soldiers were killed along the Afghan border when U.S.-led forces dropped more than a dozen bombs in and near Pakistan's tribal regions. At the time, U.S. and Pakistani officials indicated that the incident pointed to the need for better coordination.

Hot Pursuit Into Pakistan?

War On Terror: As Washington moves an aircraft carrier off Pakistan's coast, U.S. commandos are reportedly poised to launch raids against terror targets inside Pakistan. It's about time.

It appears hawks within the Pentagon and CIA have won a long-running policy battle with risk-averse officials in the administration and diplomats at the State Department. The result is a more aggressive, go-it-alone policy in response to Pakistan's failure to disrupt terrorist training camps and cross-border attacks against our troops and the Afghan government.

Politics and diplomacy had not produced the desired results, and they've had ample opportunity to work. For nearly seven years now — as we've coaxed, cajoled and even bribed our "ally" with billions in aid — Osama bin Laden and his henchmen have remained hidden inside Pakistan's tribal areas. Patience with Islamabad has run out. It's time for unilateral military action.

The U.S. military confirms it is sending extra air power to the Afghanistan-Pakistan border by moving the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln from the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman. The battle group ostensibly will provide air support for special forces who reportedly have been given the green light — after tumultuous debate within the White House — to conduct raids deep inside Pakistan's tribal belt to eradicate al-Qaida and Taliban bases.

According to a Houston Chronicle report, quoting both Democrat and Republican lawmakers who recently received a briefing from U.S. commanders in the region, the White House has authorized a secret plan to deploy commandos into Pakistan's tribal areas.

Islamabad's ineffective campaign makes it "imperative that U.S. forces be allowed to pursue the Taliban and al-Qaida in tribal areas inside Pakistan," said Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas. "If we don't do something now, they're going to strike us again (in the U.S.), and it is going to be out of this area."
His concern echoes that of the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who recently returned from Islamabad warning that the next al-Qaida attack on America will originate from inside Pakistan if we can't convince our ally to stop cutting peace deals with our enemy and deny it safe haven.

At the same time, President Bush confirmed rumors he's authorized a troop escalation in the region in 2009. He didn't offer details, but Pentagon officials expect about 6,000 in reinforcements, raising U.S. troop presence in Afghanistan to about 40,000.

A military buildup along the border is critical to supporting special forces operations inside Pakistan, which would represent a major departure from previous policy respecting Islamabad's ban on such operations.

Of course, in concert with launching any covert raids into Pakistani territory, Washington will also have to ready a black ops team to help secure Islamabad's nuclear warheads so they don't fall into the wrong hands in the event of a political uprising.

What broke the long-standing bias within the administration against unilateral action? Several troubling developments, including:

• A 2006 peace deal brokered by Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf that has led to a 40% increase in the number of cross-border attacks from Pakistan's tribal belt, where insurgents now operate with impunity.

• U.S. intelligence reports showing al-Qaida's leadership has carved out a secure base inside the tribal area, along with a band of camps for training a new cadre of Western-looking terrorists to attack the U.S.

• Reports that the flow of foreign fighters and funding into the Pakistani border region from the Middle East has soared as jihadists relocate from Iraq.

• U.S. and Afghan intelligence showing evidence the Pakistani military is arming, training and sharing logistical data with Taliban insurgents to help them target U.S. and Afghan troops.

• A border incident last month in which Pakistani soldiers fired on U.S. forces.

• Evidence the Pakistani government may be behind a campaign to destabilize the U.S.-backed Afghan government, including assassination attempts on Afghan President Hamid Karzai.

• The bombing of the Indian embassy in Kabul, which killed 41 including Indian officials. Karzai has blamed Pakistan's military intelligence agency.

Pakistan's border area is a powder keg, and it seems that rather than trying to stabilize things,The Pakistani goverment is trying to light the fuse.U.S.military intervention is the only option left to control the region and put our enemy out of business.

US Ask Pakistan to get tough with militants

Amidst growing fears of a unilateral American action against ‘terrorist sanctuaries’ in tribal areas, US Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Admiral Mike Mullen made an unscheduled visit to Islamabad on Saturday and met top military leadership of the country to persuade it to “act decisively” against Taliban and Al Qaeda militants suspected of mounting cross-border attacks in Afghanistan.

Sources said that the United States was “deeply frustrated” with Pakistan’s lack of ability or willingness, or both, to move decisively to end the rising infiltration by the Taliban militants into Afghanistan.

Recent reports in the Washington Post and New York Times claimed that the US administration was considering using direct military force to stop the infiltration and it may use commando forces, besides direct missile attacks, on militants’ targets.

“Admiral Mullen was here on a day’s visit and has already left,” US embassy spokesperson Kay Mayfield told Dawn, but would not say anything about his meetings.

During his brief stay, Admiral Mullen met the Chief of Army Staff, Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, and Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, Gen Tariq Majeed, and discussed with them the latest situation in Afghanistan and joint efforts to deal with the challenge posed by terrorists in Fata.

Pakistan army spokesman Maj-Gen Athar Abbas would neither confirm nor deny the meeting, saying no meeting between Admiral Mullen and the Chief of the Army Staff was scheduled.

The sources said that Mullen conveyed to Pakistan military leaders the US government’s growing frustration over Pakistan’s ‘inaction’ against Taliban militants in tribal areas.

Admiral Mullen reiterated Washinton’s stance that these safe havens of the militants should be eliminated, emphasising that Pakistan’s peace deals with terrorists were not achieving the desired results of isolating them and were rather aggravating the problem.

The sources quoted Mullen as complaining that militants were moving across the border with greater liberty now than during the previous government. This was Mullen’s fourth visit to Islamabad this year. But, contrary to his previous visits, this visit was kept in low profile and no official announcement was made.

The United States, in a clear shift in its military strategy in Afghanistan, has stopped sharing information with Pakistan regarding action against terrorists in tribal areas.

During the meeting, Gen Kayani is reported to have protested at recent attacks in Angoor Adda and Mohmand Agency in which Pakistani troops were killed and injured.

The army chief recalled Pakistan’s sacrifices in the war on terror and pledged that Pakistan’s resolve against terrorism remained firm. The Chief of the Army Staff, the sources said, asked the US admiral to share actionable intelligence against terrorists with the Pakistan army.

Earlier this week, Mullen had told reporters in Kabul that Pakistan’s government needed to crack down on Taliban and Al Qaeda militants in Fata.

Altaf Hussain appeals to PM and Federal Interior Advisor

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.