Stop the bombings, Altaf appeals to Taliban

MQM chief says his party always supported operations against criminals, MQM workers should not respond to provocation.

LONDON: As the country’s top politicians come to grips with on how to deal with the Taliban, who have seemingly continued their deadly activities even as the government and all political parties came to the unanimous decision of peace talks, Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain made a compassionate appeal to Taliban to stop the bombings, in the name of peace.

“Stop attacking our officers, soldiers, citizens, public properties and defense installations and consider the talks offer by the government,” Hussain said in a statement released by his party late on Saturday.

Hussain said that the negotiations between the government and the Taliban was most debated topic in Pakistan. While some people were in favour of talks, others were opposed to the idea. He, however, reminded the people that they the Taliban problem has been internationalised and that it is no longer a regional problem.

MQM chief added that the situation demands that rulers, political and religious leaders should demonstrate wisdom and sagacity and that they must take decisions with deliberations and consensus.

Karachi operation

The MQM chief further appealed to party workers and supporters to confront the ongoing operation in Karachi with forbearance and not to respond to provocation.

Hussain said that there is no place for criminal elements in MQM and that MQM has always supported the operations against criminals.

The MQM chief added that it was the party's principled stance that criminals elements present in every party should be prosecuted in accordance with the laws.