London – 28
October 2001
Mr Altaf Hussain, MQM Founder and Leader, while strongly
condemning the indiscriminate firing attack upon a Christian
Church in Bhawalpur, Pakistan, causing the untimely death of 15
Christians and injuring dozens, termed this incident an act of
“open terrorism”. He said that murder of innocent
people in any part of the world, irrespective of their religion,
colour and nationality, is highly deplorable.
Mr Hussain said that those using the name of Islam, while working
against its teachings, are not sincere either with Islam or with
the Muslims. They are using the name of Islam to serve their
vested interests. Reiterating an appeal he made recently,
he said that the United States and the International Community
should take extreme care in the military action against the
Taliban and Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan, to ensure that the lives of
innocent Afghan civilians are not harmed.
Expressing his heartfelt condolences to the families of the
Christians murdered in Bhawalpur today, Mr Hussain said that we
share your sorrow and the MQM stands with the Christian community.
He also prayed for the early recovery of those injured in the
incident.
In the end, Mr Hussain demanded of the Government to immediately
apprehend those involved in firing upon the Christian Church and
the murder of innocent Christians in Bhawalpur. He also
demanded of the Government to take necessary and concrete steps
to ensure the safety of religious minorities in Pakistan.