Central leadership of Awami National Party (ANP) demanded a ban on the Mutahida Quami Movement (MQM) declaring it a ‘mafia-nourished, terrorist’ political party. They said that they would apprise British government and would demand not to allow its citizen, Altaf Hussain, to create bloodshed in Pakistan on ethnic basis.
Addressing a press conference at Peshawar Press Club on Saturday, ANP Provincial President Senator Afrasiyab Khattak said they reject all allegations leveled against the ANP by MQM Chief Altaf Hussain. He said the ANP did not do politics through ‘gangs’. He was flanked by ANP provincial secretary general Taj ud Din Khan, Sardar Hussain Babak, Mian Iftikhar Hussain and other ANP leaders.
He said the stance taken by the MQM chief mirrored the US stance. He alleged the MQM chief had more loyalties to London than Pakistan. He said Altaf Hussain should come to Pakistan and give press conferences here. He alleged Altaf Hussain had earlier attempted to ‘erase’ cases against him through the NRO. He said Zulfiqar Mirza’s statements and documents should be used and the Supreme Court should ask the MQM chief to appear before it.
He said it was well-known who killed Pashtuns in Karachi and where the MQM’s assets come from and how the extortion money is used. He said the MQM chief had hurled abusive language against every political party except the PPP, since the MQM would give up all to get power and the PPP was the MQM’s last hope. He said only an inquiry into the May 12 killings in Karachi would restore peace to Karachi.
He said the MQM could not tarnish the ANP President Asfandyar Wali Khan’s image. He said the MQM was also responsible for losses for Mohajirs and the ANP would struggle to save Mohajirs from the clutches and terror of the MQM. He said reports and documents had confirmed the MQM’s involvement in extortion and terrorism. He said the ANP would be gravely concerned if the PPP allies with the MQM again.
He said the ANP would judge the Rangers’ operation in Karachi on outcomes. “We would support it if Karachi is de-weaponisationed and extortionists stopped,” he said.
ANP demands ban on MQM
