Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) on Saturday presented its recommendations for National Security Plan (NSP) aimed at rooting out the menace of terrorism from the country.
Addressing a press conference in Khursheed Begum Memorial Hall in Karachi, MQM leader Farooq Sattar stressed upon fixing a period during which the proposed military courts will remain functional. He noted that local governments, vigilance and community policing systems were necessary to counter terrorism, adding that police reforms, independent and responsible judiciary were also important to rid the country of terrorism.
Sattar said military courts would only provide a temporary solution to the issue at hand, adding that the parliament should take necessary steps to ensure effective functionality of National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA).
The party leader said that the move would not be successful without a neighbourhood watch in various union councils, tehsils, and streets of the country.
He said MQM has said for 10 years that this was Pakistan’s war — a statement the government has finally accepted.
“The MQM was the first party to give suggestions for the anti-terrorism policy,” Sattar said.
“Altaf Bhai has been speaking out against militancy and has warned of the threat of militancy for a long time.”
As recent as two days ago, MQM chief Altaf Hussain opposed the establishment of military courts, and said imposing martial law was a much better option. He also called for the army chief to take the reins of the country for two years.
