MQM expresses concerns over Karachi operation in meeting with PM

Meeting between MQM delegation and Prime Minister Nawaz is currently underway

ISLAMABAD: In a meeting between Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and a Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) delegation, MQM leaders expressed views that the Karachi operation is set out to target their party, Express News reported Friday.

It was however revealed that PM Nawaz had outlined that the operation is against terrorism and criminal behaviour alone. The MQM delegation comprised Farooq Sattar and Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui.

As the meeting is currently underway, the premier will advise the delegation to distance themselves from criminal or militant elements within the party, sources revealed earlier.

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Sources say that during his visit to Karachi the PM, along with military commanders, Corps Commander Karachi and DG Rangers, decided that the ongoing Karachi operation is not an ‘arm twisting operation’ against MQM.

MQM had also approached some senior military leaders through mediators, sources say, but they did not receive a positive response -- instead they were advised to distance the party from criminal activities.

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Sources close to the PM said that he is determined to back the Ranger's operation in Karachi till its conclusion. He will ask the MQM delegation to convey this message to party leaders.

Regarding replacement of governor Sindh, the premier is reportedly not keen on making any new appointments immediately.