Dear and Respected Journalists!
We express our thanks from the core of our hearts for your participation in this emergency press conference.
Today’s Press Conference has been called in relation to the suicidal bomb blast in a mosque near Madrasa-tul-Islam in Bolton Market, Karachi. We severely condemn this inhuman act of terrorism, pray that May God! Place the souls of the martyrs in Janat-ul-Firdaus and grant strength to the family members of the martyrs to endure the great loss inflicted upon them by this ghastly act of terrorism. We also pray for the speedy recovery of the wounded.
Respected Journalists!
Two days earlier Mr. Altaf Hussain, founder and leader of Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) and other leaders had categorically pointed out the conspiracy to deliberately deteriorate law and order situation in Karachi, once again, to portray Karachi as a den of the religious extremists and jihadi elements to malign the image of Karachi and Sindh and project Karachi as a violent city, internationally and nationally.
Respected Journalists!
You are well aware that ever since joining the coalition, the law and order situation has been systematically and rapidly improving as a result of the perseverance and sustained efforts of the MQM. Law and Order situation, peace and tranquility had prevailed to the degree that people have been moving about freely and without fear, wedding functions, social activities, poetic congregations, cultural and aesthetic activities have rejuvenated, and continued until late nights contrary to situation prevailed in the past few years. Recently, one day international cricket match between Pakistan and India had held in Karachi, in which exemplary discipline and behavioral pattern was demonstrated which was acknowledged by the world and domestic media and the people of Karachi were joyful. The prevalent peaceful situation and tranquility emanated from the collective, continual and untiring efforts of the Governor of Sindh, Government of Sindh, MQM’s ministers and advisors, elected representatives, workers, supporters and the people. However, these efforts abhorred by the elements who wish to see Karachi continually burning, who wish to present distorted image of Karachi to the whole wide-world. These elements have been using the people of Karachi as fuel to serve their nefarious interests and objectives for the past 56 years; however, the people of Karachi have now realized the truth and refused to become their fodder. Therefore, these forces in Karachi have, once again, reappeared in the arena with their heinous conspiracies to ruin the law and order situation.
Respected Journalists!
A so-called religious party is involved in these heinous conspiracies and crimes that have been repeatedly rejected by the people in the successive General Elections. Everyone is aware of the fact that this party has deep connections with sectarian and jihadi extremists and the arrests of several terrorists from the houses of its leaders stands as a naked proof of this linkage. In these conspiracies, the invisible elements of the state machineries who have been supporting and patronizing the sectarian and jihadi elements are colluding with this party and still supporting and patronizing the sectarian and jihadi elements in collusion with this religious party, contrary to the policies of President General Parvez Musharraf.
Respected Journalists!
Islam does not preach attacks on places of worship even of non-Muslims let alone attacking Mosques. Now, the question arise that what kind of Jihad and Islam is this? Under which jurisprudence the worshippers in the mosques are being attacked and blown up? These acts are totally contrary to the teachings of Islam and preaching of prophet Mohammad (PBUH). The elements commissioning these barbarisms could not have any connections with Islam by far. Notwithstanding, these elements are attacking mosques under the rubric of Islam to achieve their heinous ulterior motives and conspiracies.
Respected Journalists!
A few elements are claiming today’s attack to be a re-action against the “Wana Operation” then a question arises again that what connections and involvement these worshippers and innocent citizens had with “Wana Operation” who have been subjected to this abhorrent act of terrorism? Second question also arises that no other part of the country including the NWFP (North West Frontier Province) was not in sight in reaction why only Karachi was made a target and what was the objective of this suicidal attack? On one hand, it is claimed that in “Wana” slaying of Muslims by the hands of Muslims is forbidden (Haram) while on the other, under which Islam these innocent Muslims in Karachi have been slained by the Muslims?
Respected Journalists!
Today’s attack is part of the conspiracy to ruin the law and order situation in Karachi in order to internationally portray a negative image of Karachi, portray Karachi as a violent city and a den of sectarian and jihadi elements. This portrayal is done with a view to frighten the foreign investors from investing in Sindh and Karachi and shift the investment in other parts to deprive the people of Sindh and Karachi of progress, employment and prosperity. Also, the so-called religious party and its invisible patrons and supporters have the defeat visible in the forthcoming by-elections and this attack is to sabotage the forthcoming by-elections and to frighten the voters not to go out to vote.
Respected Journalists!
We are informing the public and the people at the helm of affairs of these heinous conspiracies against Sindh and Karachi which the people of Sindh. These elements had been involved in such type of conspiracies against Sindh and Karachi in the past and the people had defeated these elements and their conspiracies through their unity, patience, perseverance, valor and unflinching determination. We appeal to people to exercise restraints and, once again, defeat these conspiracies through their awareness, unity and courage. We are absolutely sure that the people of Sindh and Karachi cannot be intimidated through these conspiracies and these will fail like they failed in the past. We appeal to the people, mothers and sisters of all sects and ethnicity to reach out to the people and inform them of these conspiracies and appeal to them to remain united and strengthened the bondage of brotherhood. We also demand of the Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali and the President General Parvez Musharraf to take notice of the conspiracies of the so-called religious party and its invisible patrons and supporters present in the state machineries and bring the conspirators to book because these conspiracies would not damage only Sindh and Karachi but also the country. We demand of the Prime Minister and President to immediately arrests the perpetrators of today’s tragic incident and give them exemplary punishment.
Respected Journalists!
MQM is providing whatever relief within its capability and we equally share the grief and the pain of the affected families. We express our profound condolence to the family members of the martyrs and pray that May God! Bless the souls of the martyrs and speedily recover the wounded. We, once again, express our thank you for reporting this Press Conference.
In-Charge
and Members of the Central Co-ordination Committee
Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM).