Altaf calls pre-election violence a right-wing conspiracy

Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain on Friday said there was a conspiracy underway to give power to right-wing parties in Pakistan by keeping out liberal and enlightened parties out of the electoral process.

In a statement from London, the MQM chief warned that if the elements behind the conspiracy succeeded in their endeavours, people living in posh localities would also not remain safe.

Altaf said that MQM office-bearers, workers and sympathisers were being targeted in various terror attacks for the last few days. He said that it was a tragedy that MQM had to halt their election preparations because of poor security.

Moreover, Altaf said that the situation had deteriorated to the point that even closed offices were not safe from terror attacks. Altaf asserted that the MQM had been pushed against the wall and had been forced to abandon its election activities.

The MQM chief said if the elements behind the conspiracy to bring right-wing parties in power succeeded, then no house in Karachi would remain safe. Atlaf warned that the “raging fire of terrorism” would engulf residents of Defence, Clifton and other posh localities of the city.

Altaf stressed on the need for unanimous condemnation against the attacks and urged citizens to take a more active stance on pre-election violence.

Altaf said the MQM would not give up its democratic, constitutional and legal rights under any condition.

“Our courage and determination will not waver under any circumstances. We will face every injustice and tyranny, but we will not leave the ground,” he said.