Warning: Taliban threaten action against MQM

TTP called on leaders of nationalist parties, including BLA, SLA, to struggle for their rights in “an Islamic...

PESHAWAR/ KARACHI: The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan has announced its decision “to liberate Karachi” from the Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM), adding that “every step would be taken against them.”

In a statement issued on Friday, TTP spokesperson Ehsanullah Ehsan said that the decision has been taken to set the people of Karachi free from the clutches of “these persecutors”.

Furthermore, Ehsan called on the leaders of all nationalist parties, including the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and Sindh Liberation Army, to struggle for their rights in “an Islamic way”.

“Islam protects everyone’s right and you (nationalist parties) are passing through dark ages of oppression and this shackle of suppression has to be broken down,” the statement read.

Earlier, MQM had announced that it would hold a referendum throughout Pakistan, urging people to vote on whether they want to live in a Pakistan run by the Taliban, or the one envisioned by Quaid-e-Azam.

“We want a Pakistan that does not discriminate based on religion but one envisioned by the Quaid-e-Azam. The referendum will go ahead next week,” said MQM leader Faisal Subzwari. However, he declined to comment specifically on the TTP threat aimed at the party.