MQM-P backs governor's rule in K-P

Farooq Sattar urges PPP to clarify stance, warns Sindh could face similar situation

KARACHI:

Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) has backed the federal government's decision to impose governor's rule and emergency in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, describing the move as timely and necessary for national security.

Addressing a press conference at the party's Bahadurabad headquarters on Sunday, senior MQM-P leader Dr Farooq Sattar said terrorism and extremism posed the biggest threat to the country and that the party fully supported decisions taken by the state and security institutions.

Sattar, accompanied by senior party leaders Anis Ahmed Qaimkhani and former Karachi mayor Wasim Akhtar, said MQM-P's two federal ministers had attended the cabinet meeting in which the decision was discussed, demonstrating the party's support for the move. He attributed the deteriorating security situation in K-P to past policies that had allowed banned militant organisations to operate freely, saying the armed forces had consequently been compelled to take tough decisions.

Reacting to statements by the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, Sattar urged the party to clearly state its position on governor's rule.

"If the PPP opposes governor's rule, it should clarify its stance on the orders issued by the president," he said, adding that decisions concerning security had implications for Karachi and the rest of Sindh.

Sattar called for an immediate crackdown on terrorist sleeper cells and militant elements operating in Sindh, warning that circumstances could emerge in which a state within the state was established.

He said the notification had been issued by the president in fulfilment of his constitutional responsibilities, maintaining that the matter was not merely a decision of the prime minister.

Referring to Articles 232 and 234 of the Constitution, Sattar said the president had signed the notification under the relevant constitutional provisions, adding that action under Article 233 could also be considered if required.

He urged the PPP to ensure that the Sindh chief minister adopted a clear position on constitutional matters, warning that the province could also face circumstances necessitating emergency measures or governor's rule.