Assassinations of Mufti Atiq-ur-Rehman and Maulana Irshad is Brutal and
 Naked Act of Terrorism – Altaf Hussain

London – 24 June 2005 The founder and leader of Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) Mr. Altaf Hussain has strongly condemned the assassination of Mufti Atiq-ur-Rehman and Maulana Irshad of Binori Town Mosque and termed it as brutal and naked act of terrorism. He further added that these target killings are deplorable and deserves severest condemnation.  He said that it is about time that all the political and religious parties refrain from slinging dirt on one another and search for the hidden hands behind the senseless killings. All patriots, media and intellectuals should also ponder as to who can be responsible for disrupting the peace in Karachi.

Mr. Altaf Hussain has said that the Government of Sindh is doing its level best to improve the law and order situation through out the Province and has been successful in its attempts, but as soon as confidence grows among the public one or another untoward incident is engineered to negate the Government’s endeavours. He expressed his deep personal grief upon the assassination of Mufti Atiq-ur-Rehman and Maulana Irshad and conveyed his condolences to their family members. He said all MQM workers and office bearers stand shoulder to shoulder with the office bearers and members of Jamia Binoria in their grief. He also prayed for salvation of the deceased and quick recovery of Mufti Atiq-ur-Rehman’s young son Immad. Mr. Altaf Hussain demanded the President General Parvez Musharraf, Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, Governor Sindh Dr. Ishrat-ul-Ebad and Chief Minister Sindh Dr. Arbab Ghulam Rahim to arrest the murderers of Mufti Atiq-ur-Rehman and Maulana Irshad and launch an investigation into finding the culprits who are bent upon disrupting the peace in Karachi.

He also appealed to the people of Sindh to remain calm, peaceful and united to defeat the conspirators.