War against terrorism is Pakistan’s own war-Altaf Hussain

London. 13 October 2008

Founder and Leader of the MQM Mr. Altaf Hussain said that the Pakistani citizens are being targeted in terrorism and suicide bombing at various part f the country so it is Pakistan’s own war against religious extremism and terrorism. All those elements who are claiming that this war of America, Britain or NATO are supporting religious extremists and misguiding the nation. He said to stop Talibanisation the whole nation has to come in front to stop this menace. If government will not seriously fight against terrorism and Talibanisation then there are apprehensions that the security and safety of the county is hampered.

Mr. Hussain was addressing the meeting at MQM International Secretariat in London.   MQM’s Members of Coordination Committee, Members and Office bearers of various wings of the MQM were attended the meeting. The Members of the MQM Coordination Committee of London were also present.

Mr. Altaf Hussain said that due to religious extremism and terrorism there are serious threats to the safety and security to the country and also the economy is badly affected. He said that because of the incidents of terrorism and suicide bombings the investors are avoiding investment in Pakistan. They have apprehensions that their money may not be sunk. Mr. Altaf Hussain once again demanded to the President Mr. Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani and the Federal government to convene a round table conference of all political parties and prepare a joint strategy to take Pakistan out from confronted challenges and threats.

He said that as the government have briefed parliamentarians in camera session on the present situation similarly the nation should also be taken into confidence and be told that who are these elements involved in terrorists activities. Mr. Altaf Hussain said that at various parts of the country suicide bombing and explosions through remote are causing death to the innocent citizens, so the war against terrorism is Pakistan’s own war. He further said that all those elements who say that it is the war of America, Britain and NATO forces and Pakistan is becoming fuel in this war, they are misguiding the nation. He said I want to ask these elements that if this war is not of a Pakistan, then who is committing terrorist activities and suicide bombings at Mosques, Imam Barghas and various places including shopping centres and the people who lost their lives were Pakistani or foreigners? All those who say that explosion and suicide bombings are the reaction of the NATO forces activities they are deceiving the people. He said these elements should reply to the nation that people who are after entering Pakistani border attacking with missiles, are Pakistani citizens? If religious extremists fighting are with other countries then why the innocent Pakistanis poor, labour, women and children are being punished. He said that some elements in the country are providing justification to these suicide bombing and other terrorists activities. They must tell the nation that which verse of the Holy Quran, Law, and article of constitution, UN charter and ethic principles allow to legalise these terrorist activities and they can take the revenge of NATO forces action, from their own citizens / Muslims by killing them. How this action can be justified? Mr. Altaf Hussain said that all those who are supporting terrorist and suicide bombers are not sincere / loyal to Pakistan and they are the agent of foreign rulers and are open enemy of Pakistan and for the sake of money they are supporting terrorists and declaring them as innocent. Government must take serious note these elements. Mr. Altaf Hussain said that to eliminate this menace of terrorism whole nation has to show unity and fight together and in this way we will not only finish terrorism from our country but will also provide support to our weak economy which is  at present is on its down trend and can also save Pakistan.

He said that all people of the country should make defence committees in their area to combat this menace of terrorism and all the time they have to remain vigilant. He said that religious extremism and terrorism has taken whole country into its garb, the government should take serious and stern action against these elements. If timely action is not taken by the government then God forbid county can be harmed. Mr. Altaf Hussain urged Haq Parsat elected members that they should raise their voice against terrorism in the parliament and also inform people in their constituency that who are these elements who are involved in the conspiracy to damage, destroy or disintegrate Pakistan in the guise of patriot citizens.