Fight against terrorism : Govt must support Army, says Altaf

Asks supporters of militants to review their stance.

KARACHI: The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain on Wednesday urged Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to support the armed forces in their effort to eliminate the growing threat of terrorism which has virtually crippled the nation.

“The advocates of dialogue with Taliban should review their stance,” he stressed while addressing the 36th foundation day event of the All Pakistan Muttahida Students Organization (APMSO), the student wing of his party.

Altaf also extended his condolences to the family members of the victims of the Karachi airport assault. He said that his party has no sympathies for those who attacked innocent citizens and security forces personnel.

“We are struggling for an enlightened society.  All the citizens should be provided equal rights,” Altaf urged.

“Our party wants peace in the country. We believe in non-violence,” Altaf said. “We hate violence and love peace.”

Denying allegations of money laundering, Altaf insisted that cases against him were concocted in the past.

During the convention, the MQM chief advised students to give up habits of smoking, paan, ghutka, stressing not to adopt dishonest ways during examination.

Referring to Tahirul Qadri’s announcement of returning to Pakistan, Altaf said that if the government creates any hurdles in his protest, MQM workers will support the Pakistan Awami Tehreek leader.

Altaf lauded political leaders for supporting MQM while he was arrested by London Police.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 12^th, 2014.