Pakistan

Together we grieve: ‘The time to eradicate terrorism is now’

Political parties, senators condemn the Safoora Chowk terrorist attack

Our Correspondents May 14, 2015

PHOTO: ATHAR KHAN/EXPRESS

LAHORE: Statements condemning the terrorist attack at Safoora Chowk, Karachi, poured in from various political quarters on Wednesday.

Punjab Assembly Speaker Rana Muhammad Iqbal condemned the terrorist attack which left more than 40 people from the Ismaili community dead. Punjab Assembly Deputy Speaker Sardar Sher Ali Gorchani said it was an attempt to sabotage the government’s efforts to counter terrorism in the country. “The attack raises questions on the state of governance in Sindh,” he said.

Jamaat-i-Islami chief Sirajul Haq said, “Security agencies have been warning against RAW’s involvement in unrest in Karachi… yet the government did not take up the matter with the government of India or the United Nations.”

Senator Sajid Mir said, “We cannot overlook the possibility of involvement of foreign elements behind the attack… this is a conspiracy against Pakistan and Islam.” He said that Islam did not allow anyone to kill innocent people. Opposition Leader Mehmoodur Rasheed submitted a condemnation resolution against the incident, expressing solidarity with the families of the deceased. The statement also calls on the provincial and federal governments to reveal internal and external elements involved in the incident.

PTI’s Ejaz Chaudhary said those who commit such barbaric acts should not be spared. “Terrorists continue to target innocent people. Responsibility for this lies with the law enforcement agencies which have failed to deliver.” He said the National Action Plan was not working. “The recent attack in Karachi is proof of this.” The time to eradicate terrorism and sectarianism from the country is now, he said. “When will these terrorists be brought to justice? Ismailies are one of the most peace-loving communities in Pakistan.”

PML (Q) Punjab general secretary Chaudry Zaheerud Din Khan said, “Karachi needs political struggle to eliminate terrorism, not floundering attempts by the government.”

Majlis Wahdat Muslimeen Pakistan announced a day of condolence on Thursday. Addressing a condolence meeting, MWM chief Raja Nasir Abbas Jaferi appealed for citizens to unite against terrorism and eliminate the menace.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 14^th, 2015.

COMMENTS (1)

p r sharma | 8 years ago | Reply Past records of police and law enforcement agencies indicate that culprits will never be caught and punished. Religious parties and Senator Mir, claimed it to be a conspiracy. " this is a conspiracy against Pakistan and Islam.” He said that Islam did not allow anyone to kill innocent people." But the definition of innocent varies because of the perception. Killers claim to be the truest adherent of Islam and do not perceive Ismailis as innocent . Senator can also perceive the killers as not a Muslim at all ( because of their acts). So conscience of both is clear. ET moderator- hope to get the comment published.

Replying to X