Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) finally broke silence and demanded imposition of emergency on Karachi where several precious lives are being lost on a daily basis. Senator Syed Mustafa Kamal of MQM, in a fiery speech in Upper House of Parliament Tuesday termed the killing frenzy in Karachi a conspiracy aimed at disintegrate the country.
"The prime minister should personally visit Karachi to take stock of the situation, as the law of jungle prevails," he said. All the state institutions have failed to take action against criminals, he said, adding that the city has been isolated, which is compelling the peoples especially businessmen, to leave the city.
All the development projects are of no use he said, adding that in the absence of security not a single citizen feels secure. The situation has worsened so much that now even funeral processions are being attacked, according to him. "This is the real picture of the mega city...how can you do justice to religious minorities when you are unable to prevent sectarian killing in Karachi, which home to people of diverse backgrounds," he questioned.
Senator Ilyas Bilour of Awami National Party (ANP) threatened to stage a walkout, saying military operation against criminals is the last option. He demanded that the prime minister should take the House into confidence about Karachi situation. "We can not trust interior minister Rehman Malik anymore as we've continuously been hearing him for the last four and half years but there is no let-up in terror activities and the criminals are roaming scot-free," he said.
He said military operation is the sole way out as all other options were tested but to no avail. "Except military operation, there is no other solution to restore peace in Karachi," he stressed. Federal law minister Farooq H Naek assured the ANP stalwart that he will request the prime minister to take the House into confidence about the issue besides taking up the matter in the Cabinet meeting to be held today (Wednesday).
The suggestions floated by two coalition partners of the government - MQM and ANP - could not convince Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Senator Mushahidullah Khan of PML-N, who categorically opposed military operation. "I oppose it [operation] because it is destined to fail as the provincial government of Sindh is involved in the unrest...the idea to call PM for taking the House into confidence is also an exercise in futility. The PM will come when he will get time as he remains always busy in Gujjar Khan," he remarked sarcastically.
He called upon ANP and MQM to quit assemblies instead of staging walkout. "You're part of the government...all the state machinery is available, what else bars you to take action against the terror elements," he questioned. He said the nation is waiting for the elections as this is the only solution to bring peace in the country including Balochistan and Karachi. "Tell us when the elections will be held... we've lost all hopes that you will help us in restoring peace, please take pity on those whose loved ones are being killed everyday," he added.
He dispelled the impression created by interior minister Rehman Malik that Taliban are behind Karachi carnage, saying were they the Taliban who burnt lawyers alive on May 12, 2007. "On one hand, MQM claims of resolving the issue within a month through police while on the other, it failed in its endeavours despite passage of four and half years," he said. The house was adjourned to meet again on Wednesday at 4pm.
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