BBC report: Military commanders to discuss ‘MQM-RAW’ nexus

Army is apparently not satisfied with the response of the govt to the BBC report

ISLAMABAD: The country’s top military commanders are likely to meet in the coming days to discuss the growing interference of the arch nemesis India in the internal matters of Pakistan, particularly its alleged nexus with the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM)

The corps commanders meeting, to be presided over by army chief General Raheel Sharif, comes against the backdrop of a BBC report that on June 24 claimed that the MQM had links with India’s prime spy agency, Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), which provided it with funds and training.

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A source in the security establishment said this routine monthly meeting is seen as crucial in view of the BBC revelations. “The meeting would discuss the internal security situation with special focus on the allegations that the MQM is getting funds from India,” he said.

He said the military establishment is apparently not satisfied with the response of the federal government to the report. The federal government wrote a letter to British government seeking access to the facts about the BBC report. However, the security establishment regards it as inadequate.

PHOTO: ISPR

“If they could act within 24 hours against Axact [after a report was published against it in The New York Times] then what had really stopped them from acting on a BBC report,” he said. “The allegations against the MQM are far more serious, threatening our national security and sovereignty,” he said.

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The source said the government should have sought explanation from the MQM about its alleged links with the Indian intelligence agencies. The MQM chief Altaf Hussain has dismissed the allegations and insisted that his party considers RAW as an enemy of Pakistan.

He said the military commanders would call for taking the ongoing operation in Karachi to its logical end, particularly in view of the alleged involvement of RAW in the port city.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 1^st, 2015.