“This is a conspiracy against the people of Sindh, not only those living in urban areas but also in the rural areas” says Sattar. PHOTO: APP
KARACHI: Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) deputy convener Dr Farooq Sattar said on Monday that the blast at a residential complex in Abbas Town was a conspiracy to create an impression of Shia-Sunni strife in the country and a deliberate attempt to divide the Mohajir community.
Addressing a press conference in Karachi on Monday, Sattar said that the incident in Abbas Town “is a genocide of Shia Mohajirs and this is a conspiracy to divide them.”
The MQM leader added that a number of new groups were being created on the basis of sectarian differences and that these groups were “being given a license to spread violence.”
“On the other hand sectarian outfits created by the establishment which have been banned, are freely spreading terrorism. These terrorist groups target Shia and Sunni groups who live peacefully together. An impression is being created globally that Shia and Sunni cannot live peacefully together.”
"Abbas town incident has proved once more that the government and security agencies has failed to provide protection to the people or to prosecute those responsible and the people have been left to fend for themselves. We have no choice but to request the people to protect themselves, set up community policing."
Sattar added that they want those responsible to be prosecuted. "The victims should be compensated and the houses and shops destroyed should be rebuilt by the government.”
COMMENTS (12)
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@Abbas: "Pakistanis are tolerent and peace loving people "
After killing converting or driving out almost all SIkhs and Hinuds, after killing 3 million Bengalis, after state sanctioned oppression of Ahmadis and now Shia genocide being conducted by groups that have the support of both the army and some political parties, how can you make such a statement? It seems there are no limits to delusion.
@punjabiputtar: I've been living in Karachi for 20-odd years and I've never heard anything like this. Sunni are def in majority, what was your source?
And I think MQM changed its name to Muttahida Qaumi Movement in 1997.Isn't it?
I would call this a shameless and cheap tactic by MQM who once again gave the entire issue an ethnic colour just to feed insecurity among masses in the name of ethnicity.I myself hail from an Urdu Speaking background and have got friends from other ethnicities and sects/schools too.
Who can forget Ashura Blast in December 2009? And what about massacre of innocent Shia brothers in FATA,KP,Balochistan and Punjab? Were they also Muhajirs? I guess elections are coming closer, so MQM wants to play same old cards yet again, even if it leaves their supporters hearts filled with hatred against people of other ethnicities and regions.
I didn't expect such type of words from Mr. Sattar atleast.
The 'Mohajir' reference is really appalling. Farooq Sattar should have had better sense than to make such a statement, especially in the wake of the recent Hazara killings. There is no doubt about the fact that innocent Shias are being targeted, both on an individual as well as mass level and that the terrorists are doing it regardless of the ethnicity. If MQM wants to go national with its political agenda, it is high time for them to stop playing the 'Mohajir' and 'Urdu-speaking' card.
And by the way, till last week, wasn't his party still a part of this coalition, making MQM an equal partner in crime when it comes to security lapses?
@Abbas: You said - "Pakistanis are tolerent and peace loving people"
Abbas, You have a great future as a comedian.
Ridiculous politician. Instead of removing divisions he contradicts; he tried to unite shias and sunnis but at the same time plays the ethnic card mentioning 'muhajirs'.
Can someone please tell me whats the percentage of sunnis among mohajirs. I hear its less than Shias. Can someone please confirm?
Very well Said Mr. Sattar. I think people of Karachi should realize this and defeat this enemy within by showing courage and unity.