Addressing a gathering of MQM supporters and media in Karachi, the MQM chief said that if the government caves in to the demands of the militants, conditions in the country would become "worse than those in Somalia".
Altaf said that if Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif wanted to call another All Parties Conference (APC) to decide how to proceed with peace talks with the militants, he should do so.
"Go ahead with peace talks but maintain your dignity," he said, adding that the state's writ needed to be protected.
Arrest of party leaders
The MQM chief said that majority of the country's population was against terrorism and terrorists should be prosecuted according to the law, even if they held government offices.
"MQM will have no objection to that," he said but added that party workers and leaders who were not guilty of committing a crime should not be arrested.
Altaf's address came shortly after former MPA and MQM leader Nadeem Hashmi was released from police custody on not being proven guilty in a case which saw the killing of two policemen.
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COMMENTS (11)
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Altaf Hussain is the only who can rescue Pakistan from this dark dimension of sectarian hate and violence.He is the only genuine secular, progressive and liberal leader. Altaf Hussain denounced sectarian discrimination and remains the only hope of moral and intellectual recovery of Pakistani society. Altaf Hussain has continually and strongly condemned heinous activities of Talibans and the various Lashkers.
@csmann: No surprise in Altaf's bravery since he is safely ensconced in his London Estate!!!!
dignity??? where was it at the time of "parday may rehne do"!
Altaf might be wrong in some other things, but he is the only politician so far that has come out against talks with Taliban under duress,in fact agreeing and supporting what General Kayani has said.May be because he is comparatively safe from harm by the terrorists. But his position on this issue should be welcomed. Hopefully other parties and political leaders will come out and openly denounce the outrageous demands of Taliban.Their life is no more important than an ordianry Pakistani,and they are obligated by their positions to do so.
U also want peace ??? Really strange yar nice to hear.
Agree...........if anyone should knows how to deal with ' bad guys ', its him.
I hate to agree with the mad man but that part is true
Glad to see mature politics being paractices and somebody thinking for the nation. I endorse Altaf Hussain's demand for not to bow down to militants.
Nothing but sugar and honey from London.
Thank you London police .....
But bow down to MQM when the life has been halted in Karachi and Hyderabad
says the guy who's hiding in London