MQM, Pakistan’s most vocal anti-extremism party’s struggle was rewarded today when an amendment relating to the elimination of terrorism in the country in the wake of the deadly Peshawar attack was incorporated into the country’s constitution.
Mr. Altaf Hussain Chief of MQM, who played a significant role in drafting the Bill, said: “With an overwhelming majority, The Parliament of Pakistan has now adopted the 21st Amendment Bill 2015. Military courts have been given the right to try the Taliban terrorists or any other person or group claiming to or known to be a part of a religious or sectarian organisation waging war against Pakistan."
This is the first time that the whole political leadership of Pakistan has spoken as one against the Taliban, with the notable exceptions of Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf (PTI), Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) and Jamiat Ulema Islam (JUI-F).
Speaking on the floor of the house, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif thanked Mr. Altaf Hussain and MQM. The party has pursued an unequivocal stance against the Taliban and their atrocities since 2001. Four Lawmakers of MQM and scores of workers and supporters have been killed in attacks by Taliban due to the party's clear and bold stance against the Talibanisation of the country. Mr. Altaf Hussain was also the first and so far the only Pakistani statesman to raise the increasing threat of IS in Pakistan.
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