Taliban threat: MQM mulls vigilance bodies at UC level

KARACHI - The MQM leadership has warned its party workers about the presence of Taliban in the various areas of the metropolis.
In a meeting of the party’s unit offices held here Friday, MQM office bearers pointed out that Taliban had found safe havens in Aurangabad, Paposh (Nazimabad), Gulzar Hijri, Baldia Town, Bahadurabad and others areas of the city. They urged the party workers to remain alert especially during the current month.
In the meeting, it was decided to form vigilance committees at union council level and establish foolproof surveillance system to address the menace of extremism and cope with terrorist activities in Karachi.
Meanwhile, it was also learnt that members of MQM Rabita Committee, including Dr Farooq Sattar, Shakeel Umar, Naik Mohammad, Anees Ahmed Kaimkhani and Waseem Aftab would leave the country today (Saturday) to attend an important party meeting in London.
According to sources, growing extremism, presence of Taliban in Karachi and re-organisation of the MQM in Punjab, Balochistan and other areas of the country will be discussed in this meeting of Rabita Committee to be held under the chair of party chief Altaf Hussain.
Meanwhile, Altaf Hussain has directed the Rabita Committee members and other party office bearers to remain alert to thwart any terrorist incident in the city.
Addressing a gathering of the MQM office bearers at Khursheed Memorial Hall, Altaf Hussain said the country was in a state of war due to terrorism and extremism and therefore it was imperative for all party workers to remain vigilant and united. He added that Taliban pose an existential threat to the solidarity and integrity of the country.
“Terrorism has become a cancer and therefore, it is the duty of each and every party, including the MQM, to come forward to save the country.
Due the activities of Taliban, Pakistan is being defamed in the world hence the entire nation should join hands against this menace”.
Altaf said that he was not against any ethnic group in Pakistan but opposed extremism and terrorism committed in the name of religion.
He added that certain elements were propagating in Karachi that MQM was against Pakhtuns and appealed the Pakhtun brethren not believe in such conspiracies.
“MQM considers Pakhtuns as brothers and its doors are open for them”,
Altaf Hussain concluded.