Condemnations: Political parties express shock and grief

Statements came in from leaders of MQM, PTI, ANP, AML, APML and other political parties.

ISLAMABAD:

The death of three Express News staffers in a targeted attack shocked everyone. Government officials and politicians of all hues condemned the deadly attack and expressed solidarity with Express Media Group.

On behalf of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and the federal government, Information Minister Pervez Rashid strongly condemned the attack and offered his heartfelt condolences. In his message, the minister expressed deep shock and grief over the death of the three employees and prayed for their families.

Such cowardly acts could not dampen the spirit of the independent media and freedom of expression in the country, the minister said and added that those involved in this heinous crime would be taken to task. Sindh Minister for Information Sharjeel Inam Memon also offered his condolences over the tragic deaths. He also called the IG police and sought a report of the incident. Talking to Express News, he said the investigations into the second attack on Express Media Group offices have revealed who is responsible, but the information could not be made public on television. The Sindh government announced Rs2 million as reward for information that could lead to the identification and arrest of the attackers.

Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain also condemned the attack and said that despite the deployment of police and Rangers across the metropolitan city, terrorist attacks were still rampant.

Another MQM leader, Waseem Akhtar, said that it seemed like the government was not serious in whole-heartedly carrying out the targeted operation in the city. “We are tired of condemning such incidents. The government must take concrete steps to stop attacks on journalists,” he said while talking to Express News.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan denounced the third attack on Express Media Group and claimed that “the Sindh government has failed”.

In the same tune, former president Asif Ali Zardari and PPP patron-in-chief Bilawal Bhutto also condemned the deadly attack. Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Khursheed Shah said this attack could have been avoided if culprits of the previous attacks had been brought to justice.

Awami National Party (ANP) chief Asfandyar Wali Khan denounced the attack while his party’s Sindh president Shahi Syed said the targeted killing of Express News employees showed that there was a need for an army operation in Karachi since the police and Rangers had been unable to curb violence and terrorism.

Awami Muslim League chief Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed said the attack has set a dangerous precedent. Things are taking a turn for the worst in the country, he added.

Meanwhile, leaders of the All Pakistan Muslim League, Tariq Kaleem Syed and Esha Tariq, also condemned the attack.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 18^th, 2014.