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CONTENTS
Year-wise Details of MQM’s Atrocities
(Crimes of Muttahida Qaumi Movement: MQM) .. .. .. 2
Mohajir Qaumi Movement Fact Sheet .. .. .. .. .. 40
Arrests & Arms Recovery From Mqm
Workers During December 1998 To February 1999 .. .... 59
MQM’s New Drama and The Real Cause of
MQM-PML Hostility .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 75
Nazeer Naji Confesses PMLN & Shareef
Brethren Helped MQM in 1992 .. .. .. .. .. .. 78
Jinnah Pur & MQM: Major Nadeem Dar also
Reveals Stunning Facts .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 80
Where PPP, PML-N and MQM Stood on
Jinnahpur in 1992 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 83
MQM killed 650+ Sind Police Officers .. .. .. .. ..88
Judge orders deportation of Pakistani party chief .. .. .. 92
PTI’s white paper: MQM accused of killing thousands.. .. .. 94
Running Karachi - from London .. .. .. .. .. .. 95
The Mohajir Qaumi Movement (MQM) In Karachi
January 1995-April 1996 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 98
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Year-wise Details of MQM’s Atrocities (Crimes of Muttahida
Qaumi Movement: MQM)
All this were based on newspapers dailies Jang, Jasarat, The News , The Muslim,
Nawa-I-Waqt, Frontier Post , The Nation, Dawn , Jang, Pakistan Times and
others.
1986
MQM’s first-ever public meeting at Karachi’s Nishtar park on August 8, 1986,
was marked by heavy aerial firing from the; pistolsand rifles which the party
activists were carrying on them. On that day, windowpanes of a traffic police
kiosk opposite Quaid-e-Azam’s mausoleum were broken, and stones were pelted
on petrol pump near Gurumandir. Addressing the rally, Altaf Hussain said:
“Karachi is no more mini-Pakistan. We will accept help no matter where it comes
from, from east or west, north or south” (dailies Jang, Jasarat and other newspapers
of August 9, 1986).
Two months later, on October 25, 1986, while addressing a press conference at
Hyderabad Press Club, Altaf Hussain told the Mohajir youth to “collect arms. If
our rights are not given to us, we will use every kind of force”. On October 31,
while addressing a public meeting at Hyderabad’s Pakka Qila, he said: “At first
we fought for freedom. Now that we have freedom, weare searching for a
country” (daily Amn, Nov 1, 1986). Riots broke out in Karachi the same evening.
Twelve persons were killed, 25 wagons, autorickshaws and motorbikes were set
on fire, and four houses and eight shops were torched.
Riots spread to Hyderabad where seven persons were shot dead in two days.
Curfew was clamped in both cities to contain violence, and Altaf Hussain along
with ten others was arrested by he police on November 2 for attempt to murder
and rioting. Nine other MQM activists were also taken into custody and firearms
recovered from their possession, whereas 63 personsfrom other parties to the
rioting were arrested from Sohrab Goth area. On November 3, ten persons were
killed in hand-grenade attacks in Orangi Town area while six others died in
street trouble, brining the week’s death toll in Karachi to 52.
On November 18, armed MQM activists fired in the air to disrupt a cricket match
in Hyderabad’s Niaz Stadium. On November 21, at theend of a one-day cricket
match between Pakistan and West Indies, armed MQM activists blocked all
roads leading to Karachi’s National Stadium. 30 persons received bullet wounds
in indiscriminate firing in the Liaquatabad. Teen Hatti, Gulbahar, Orangi, Sabzi
Mandi, Nazimabad and other areas of the city. A bank was burnt in Liaquatabad,
while a bus was put on fire on Shahrah-e-Quaideen. One November 22, three
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buses and an oil tanker were burnt in Landhi, whilea branch of the National
Bank was ransacked and torched in Liaquatabad.
Another government bus and a minibus were burnt in Malir and Old Numaish,
and several buses were pelted with stones on November 23. On November 24, 11
vehicles were burnt down in New Karachi, Federal B’Area, Paposhnagar,
Gulbahar and Nasirabad. On November 28, armed clashes between MQM
activists and the police took place in Hyderabad during which five bank
branches were damaged and one bus put on fire.
MQM announced a strike in Karachi on December 9 andasked its followers to
remain peaceful. The ‘peaceful’ strike led to the burning of 11 vehicles and seven
bank branches. One youngster was killed, and nearly40 wounded in
indiscriminate firing. Demonstrators pelted stones on the police and a bomb was
blasted near Liaquatabad police station. The policebecame helpless against
protesters” (daily Amn). On December 14, MQM’s secretary general Dr Imran
Farooq stated that the situation could be brought under control only if Altaf
Hussain and his companions were freed.
That night, 50 persons lost lives during ghastly manslaughter in Orangi Town.
The army was called in and curfew clamped. According to newspapers, the
entire Ghetto Township had passed into the hands ofa group of klashnikov-weilding youngsters. 70 more persons were killed onDecember 15.
According to available statistics, as many as 173 persons were sacrificed on the
alter of MQM struggle for rights, while 10 banks, 75 vehicles 24 houses and 20
shops were burnt during the last 153 days of 1986. The battle for Karachi’s so-called rights had begun. On December 20, MQM Chairman Azim Ahmad Tariq
demanded justice for Mohajirs, and advised President Zia-ul Haq to issue arms
licenses to Mohajirs. After this, we will neither invite the police or the
administration to defend us, nor criticize the government on this score” (daily
Jang Karachi).
1987
With the onset of 1987, lawlessness in Karachi caused curfew for a record
number of days. This was also the year when MQM’s anti-press traits began to
shape up. The coming days were to expose some of the most fundamental
contradictions inherent in the party’s structure and philosophy.
It was on January 31, when Altaf Hussain made the first most controversial
public statement of his career. Addressing a seriesof welcome receptions in
Liaquatabad on that day, he told his audience. “Mohajirs will have no god use
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for their VCRs, color televisions and other luxuries because these things cannot
defend us. They will have to arrange for their own security” (daily Jang, Feb 1,
1987).
On February 1, in the central committee meeting of Awami National Party at
Lahore that was presided by Khan Abdul Wali Khan, aresolution was passed
stating that Sindh’s Mohajirs were a part of the larger Sindhi nationality, and that
there was no such thing as a Mohajir nationality. ANP was later to become one of
MQM’s most trusted allies in national politics.
On February 19, Altaf Hussain addressed another rally at Burns Road in Karachi.
As the party activists started shooting their guns in the air, Altaf Hussain
stopped them, saying “save your ammunition”. The audience raised hands to
give Altaf the permission to meet anyone, includingG.M. Syed. During his
address, Altaf said that Sindh could not bear any more population. “There are
also Lahore and Faisalabad in the way. These too are Pakistani cities”.
On February 20 and 21, 16 persons were wounded and one Suzuki van, four
motorbikes and a KTC bus were put on fire during rioting in Liaquatabad,
Shershah, Federal B’ Area and Sabzi Mandi. Young boys in Liaquatabad pelted
stones at the police the whole day.
On April 5, at the book launching ceremony of Shakil Ahmad Zia, Altaf made a
hard hitting speech against Punjab, the Punjabis and the army. “You used force,
and the result was that the country broke into two History offers no example of
such a large number of troops laying down arms. Forthose who want to send us
back to India, let me say that we will not go alone. The whole Pakistan will go to
India”. During the same address he issued his firstthreat to the press. One
newspaper is becoming a party against Mohajirs. It should take warning” (daily
Amn. April 6, 1987).
On May 21, a young man was killed when riots broke out in Malir and
Khokhrapar in protest over the arrest of some MQM workers. Six vehicles were
also burnt in the area.
In an interview with daily Nawa-e-Waqt’s Irashad Ahmad Arif, published on
May 25, 1987, Altaf Hussain said: “Urdu language isPunjab’s problem, not ours.
We have never demanded that it should be made the national language”.
On June 11, while addressing the foundation day celebrations of All-Pakistan
Mohajir Students Organisation (APMSO), he demanded that Mohajirs be issued
with arms licenses. He said the religious parties did nothing for the Mohajir
Shaheeds but when a Punjabi died everyone from top issued statements of
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condemnation to bottom. He also said that anyone who met the Muslim
Leaguers or was hand in glove with the government ministers had no place in
MQM ranks (daily Amn, June 12, 1987).
On June 21, MQM chairman, Azim Ahmad Tariq, stated that the anti-Mohajir
policy of daily Jang would be fully resisted. He announced Jang’s boycott, and
asked people not to read it. The same evening, dozen-armed persons attacked
Jang’s bureau in Hyderabad and put the premises on fire.
From July 22 to August 30, clashes between MQM and a rival group called
Punjabi-Pukhtoon Ittehad (PPI) caused the death of 22 persons, while 300 were
wounded. Five policemen also died in riots, while 38 were wounded. Seven KTC
buses and a local train also became targets of terrorism. Clashes between the two
rival groups had first broken out in April, but arrests on both sides had caused
the trouble to temporarily subside.
On August 4, during an address to MQM’s general workers’ meeting, Altaf
Hussain said that the days of the power of the armyand the police were
numbered. These forces have been bullying us in ourairfields, police stations,
neighborhoods and streets. They have put the entirePakistan in their pockets”.
He further said on August 14, MQM would announce that mini-Pakistan is not
Karachi, but Lahore. “Throw open the gates of Lahore to Afghan refugees on that
day, and let them do what they please” (daily Amn, August 5, 1987).
On August 9, the campaign to collect sacrificial hides began in Karachi and Azim
Tariq, in a statement, alleged that the Jamaat workers robbed MQM volunteers of
their hides at gunpoint. He condemned this act, andissued a warning to Jamaat.
On August 21, Altaf Hussain told a meeting at New Karachi that the problems
could no longer be solved without rendering sacrifices, and asked people willing
to make sacrifices to give their names. Addressing the Mohajir police trainees, he
said that if they are forced to quit their job, they should break the legs of their
instructor. A time will come when our people will be sitting in police stations he
said.
On August 26, bloody-armed clashes between two groups in Shah Faisal Colony
led to the death of nine persons. 80 persons were injured. Eight platoons of police,
riding in 32 mobile vans, were present at the scenebut could not bring hostilities
to an end. Riots also broke out in Hyderabad on August 27. Curfew was clamped
which continued unbroken for twelve days, until 4 p.m. on September 7. On
August 28, chairman Jiye Sindh Mahaz (JSM), Abdul Wahid Aresar, expressed
support for the “suppressed” Mohajirs, saying that the army, the police and
Punjabi settlers had attacked the Mohajirs as if they were a conquered people
(daily Amn, August 29, 1987).
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The government of Sindh on August 28 issued orders for the arrest of all those
involved in rioting. PPI’s Malik Ghulam Sarwar Awan, Mir Hazar Khan and 160
others were arrested, but Altaf Hussain was not found at his residence.
In the interest of peace, the government made a goodwill gesture by dropping
criminal charges against all concerned, but it was not destined to work.
On August 30, Altaf Hussain courted arrest. On September 29, a spokesman of
MQM said that the party considered Khanabdul Wali Khan and Abdul Ghaffar
Khan as the true representatives of the Pukhtoons. He also expressed optimism
about the party’s ongoing talks with the PPI.
On October 8, G.M. Syed told journalists in Matli that the time had come for a
union between the Sindhis and Mohajirs. We have recognized our common
enemy, he said.
On October 31, MQM announced a strike to commemorate last year’s killings at
Sohrab Goth. During the strike, indiscriminate firing led to the killing of two
persons. 85 others were injured while six vehicles,seven shopsand two banks
were put on fire. A telephone exchange was burnt inOrangi. Three women, a girl
and a man were injured in roadside firing in Liaquatabad and a petrol bomb in
Pak Colony injured two police constables. Riots in Kotri and Hyderabad resulted
in injuries to DSP and SSP Hyderabad, while officesof the Muslim League and
Wapda, a post office, an office of social security,four bank branches and 17
vehicles were set on fire.
1988
Rioting, arson and murder continued into January 1998, ten months before the
restoration of democracy in the country. On January10, stabbing incidents and
acts of terrorism in Golimar, Liaquatabad, New Karachi Shah Faisal Colony,
Banaras, tin Hatti, Chand Bibi Road and Rizvia Society led to the killing of five
persons, and the injuring of several pedestrians including three journalists. 13
vehicles were also set on fire. The army was calledin to control the situation. On
January 18, four persons were killed in bloody clashes between MQM and PPI
activists. Moreover, 37 houses and shops of the area were put on fire in petrol
bomb attacks. Curfew was clamped to disengage the warring factions.
Nine persons were killed and 60 hurt in riots that engulfed Nazimabad,
Liaquatabad and Sohrab Goth on February 4. The property put on fire included
28 houses, several shops, two factories, a petrol pump and several vehicles. Six
more people were killed, and two vehicles burnt, inLiaquatabad, Pak Colony
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and Gulbahar areas on February 8. Curfew continued in different areas of the
city. In a statement on February 21, Altaf Hussain said that Jamaat-e-Islami was
another name for the drug mafia and the police. He called Jamaat’s Prof. Ghafoor
a liar, and accused him of towing Jamaat’s “traditional” policy of hypocrisy
(daily Amn, Feb 22, 1988).
On March 1, the driver of an oil tanker lost control when he came under attack of
rioters in Liaquatabad, the vehicle breaking into ahouse and killing four inmates.
This incident was followed by violent protest in which rioters injured 12
policemen including SDM and DSP Liaquatabad. Nine police vans, a minibus
and an autorickshaw were damaged. Four more vehicles were put on fire. On
March 3, curfew was clamped in Liaquatabad to prevent further trouble. On
March 13, in his address to the Karachi bar, Altaf Hussain advised Punjabis and
Pukhtoons to go back to their own provinces and demand jobs from their
governments.
On April 6, an attempt by the MQM to rename Haider Chowk (named after great
nationalist leader, Comrade Haider Bux Jatoi) as Mohajir Chowk created tension
in Hyderabad.
On April 30, an accident between a motorbike and a Suzuki van led to incidents
of stabbing and firing in Orangi in which four persons were killed.
10 injured a bank branch and several shops burnt. The trouble spread, and by
May 9, 31persons had fallen to death in factional fights in Orangi, Nishtar Road,
Lighthouse, Pak Colony, Khwaja Ajmer Nagri, Nazimabad and elsewhere.
On May 11, the incidents of stabbing rickshaw drivers in the curfew hit areas
started. Six rickshaw drivers were seriously injured. On May 23, MQM activists
hiding in Jutland Lines and Shah Faisal colony started attacking policemen and
magistrates in order to harass them.
On June 18, riots broke out in Hyderabad in which six persons died and 12
vehicles were destroyed. Two more persons died on the following day inspite of
the imposition of curfew.
July 17, in the riots following attack on Mayor Hyderabad. Aftab Shaikh, eight
persons were killed and much damage done to property. The bodies of the
victims were sent to Sindh interior. On July 21, women activists of MQM
stormed the Latifabad police Station and freed 18 arrested persons. G.M. Syed
told newsmen on July 22 that both the government and Altaf Hussain were
responsible for the deteriorating law and order situation. Altaf Hussain had
become arrogant, inflated, he said. On the following day, altaf Hussain called on
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Syed at Haider Manzil and the two leaders made and remove
misunderstandings.
On August 30, MQM activists pumped bullets into a Karachi University student,
Aamir Salim, killing him instantly. On September 3,APMSO activists launched
attacks on members of other student bodies as well as on lecturers in various city
colleges, injuring dozens of them. These attacks were supervised by five
councilors of the municipality. On September 30, the worst carnage of
Hyderabad’s history took place in which more than 150 persons, including Urdu
speaking, Gujratis, Sindhis and Memons were killed.
On the following day, i.e. on October 1, terroristsin an early morning operation
in Karachi’s suburban areas of Landhi, Malir, Shah Faisal Colony, Model Colony,
Gulbahar, Orangi Town and Pak Colony herded out of their houses and shot
dead at least 90 Sindhi persons. Chief of Mohajir Ittehad Tehrik (MIT), Dr Salim
Haider, in a statement said that MQM had given nothing to the people but dead
bodies.
On November 10, a representative meeting of the political parties of Karachi
condemned MQM’s terrorism, and in this regard a memorandum for
Commissioner Karachi was signed by PPP’s Amir Haider Kazmi, ANP’s Amin
Khatak, PDP’s Mushtaq Mirza, JUI’s Qari Sher Afzal and others. Maulana Shah
Ahmad Noorani stated that MQM wanted to win elections by terrorizing the
people, “but we will not bow before anyone”.
1989
This was the year when incidents of firing by masked assailants increased,
differences within the MQM came to surface, and thousands of copies of Urdu
daily Jang were burnt by MQM activists during a boycott of that newspaper.
The rioting that marred the last days of 1988 continued into the New Year with
the death of a man on January 1, 1989. This led to the arrest of 72 PPI activists,
and cases were registered against one MNA and two MPAs of MQM for inciting
trouble. January 24 and 26, MQM forced the closure of all markets and bazaars in
Sukkur. On January 30, armed bands of MQM activiststook control of the NED
Engineering University. On January, curfew was clamped in some parts of the
Karachi port following the murder of a taxi driver in the area.
On February 23, arsonists torched the offices of the vice chancellor of Karachi
University. After day long rioting, the university was closed indefinitely.
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On March 10, a 16-year-old person died and about twelve others were hurt as a
result of indiscriminate firing by terrorists on innocent pedestrians. On the same
day MQM announced its boycott of Jang newspaper.
On March 11, four dead bodies were recovered from Model Colony area. On
March 12, curfew was imposed in Shah Faisal Colony following the death of a
12-year-old child. 13 persons were inured in terrorist firing on March 13. On
March 14, two dead bodies were recovered in the wake of ongoing trouble in
Shah Faisal colony and Saudabad. Masked gunmen struck on March 18, killing
10 persons and wounding 15 as they went on a killing spree in Malir and
Khokhrapar areas. On March 22, MQM members togetherwith G.M. Syed’s son,
Imdad Mohammad Shah, staged a protest walkout from Sindh Assembly. On
March 26, MQM announced that it would back the IJI for the repatriation of
Biharis from Bangladesh.
On April 1, three people died in firing by masked gunmen in Shah Faisal Colony.
Student trouble started in the two medical collegesof the city and 10 students
were kidnapped from Karachi University. On April 6,10 persons were killed and
40 others wounded in incidents of firing in Hyderabad. The trouble was
controlled by imposition of curfew. While death anddestruction reigned in
Karachi and Hyderabad. Curfew was also imposed in Nawabshah following the
death of five persons in linguistic riots.
Three MQM ministers filed their resignations on May1, but the government as a
goodwill gesture rejected these. On May 3, the MQM activists broke up a rally of
JUP in Gulbahar at which Maulana Shah Ahmad Nooraniwas the chief guest.
On May 7, a government contractor was killed in Ranchore Line. On May 9,
doctors lodged their protest over the activities ofarmed MQM activists inside
Civil Hospital Karachi. In Sukkur, 20 shops were burnt down in linguistic riots.
Medical examinations were postponed on May 18 following an armed clash of
APMSO with Sindhi students.
MQM announced its campaign of voluntary arrests to protest against the
government on May 26. Talks between the chief minister Punjab, Mian Nawaz
Sharif, and Altaf Hussain for political co-operation were held on May 30. On
June 1, three federal ministers held an emergent round of talks with the MQM in
order to save the Karachi accord.
On June 14, a group of armed students stormed the university offices and held
the vice chancellor and 20 staff members’ hostage for eight hours.
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Three Peoples Students Federation (PSF) workers were killed on July 8. Between
July 16 and 23, widespread trouble in Hyderabad ledto the death of 10 persons.
Curfew was imposed in the city.
On August 13, following the killing of seven persons in firing by masked
gunmen, certain areas of Karachi were again broughtunder curfew. Armed
persons also gunned down 11 more persons died in riots on August 19, a police
constable was gunned down.
Between September 17 and 19, at least nine people were killed and 24 injured in
riots in Hyderabad. On September 21, a student was killed and three others
injured in firing in Karachi’s S.M. Science College. In Model Colony, day long
rioting and running gunbattles led to the imposition of curfew. In a report
submitted on September 22, the then DIG Karachi, Afzal Shigri, said that MQM
was not a political organization, but a terrorist one.
Altaf met President Ghulam Ishaq Khan at Karachi’s State guesthouse on
October 13. On the same day, two police inspectors were gunned down by
terrorists in the city. On October 23, MQM unilaterally pulled out of Karachi
accord.
Violence hit Karachi and Hyderabad on November 6, in which four persons were
killed. The then chief of army staff, Mirza Aslam Beg, expressed hope on
November 7 that soon a broad based government wouldbe established in the
country. Rangers were called to Soldier Bazaar on November 9 following the
death of one person in firing. On November 21, a man was killed in Baldia town.
On December 2 an armed clash between students of Dow Medical College
resulted in injuries to 12 students. Meanwhile, five days of rioting in Hyderabad
between December 12 and 25 resulted in the death of21 persons. Five persons
died in Karachi on December 20. Two more persons were killed in Karachi on
December 21, while two students were killed on December 22.
1990
This was the year when MQM played horrible role by unleashing a reign of
terror and blood letting in Karachi and Hyderabad, it set example of the extent to
which it could go to impose a minority view on the majority.
400 persons were eliminated in the first six monthsof 1990, and many more were
kidnapped and made hostage. The months of February and May saw the most
killings, with MQM terrorists going on a killing spree to punish political dissent.
And the time came when Karachiites were to be confined behind huge gates of
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steel obtained from the bounty of Pakistan Steel Mills which passed into MQM’s
effective control.
On January 3, 1990, ANP and MQM reached an agreement to work jointly for
“peace” in Sindh. Between January 30 and February 3, 18 persons died in
Hyderabad riots. The Government of Pakistan observed February 5 as solidarity
day with the Kashmiris, and rallies were held all over the country. In the evening,
masked gunmen killed two persons and kidnapped eight others in an obvious
bid to counter Pakistan’s Kashmir cause. MQM announced strike for February 7
and on February 6 the worst trouble of the year started. 64 persons were killed
between February 6 and 9.
Karachi University opened on March 31, after a 51-day closure. Altaf Hussain
started his famous fast unto death on April 7, which he was to end 150 hours
later without achieving his aims. On April 12, MQM rejected a government offer
to hold peace talks. In acts of terrorism in Hyderabad on April 17, 23, 29 and 30,
11 people fell to their death.
On May 3, India rejected a Pakistani offer for talks. On May 9 and 10, 16 persons
were killed in Malir. In Hyderabad, 25 persons werekilled on May 15, 17 and 19.
Following the death of 80 more persons in Karachi and Hyderabad on May 26
and 27, curfew was clamped. One of the victims in Karachi was Senator Mohsin
Siddiqui, who was killed for resisting paying protection money. 28 more persons
were killed on May 28, while 20 persons were killedon May 29. On May 30 and
31, 73 persons were killed.
President Ghulam Ishaq Khan proposed the holding ofan all-parties conference
on Sindh situation on June 6. MQM did not participate in this conference. By
June 3, the number of deaths caused by terrorist attacks rose to 150.
On July 1, Gen. Beg said that the army could restore peace in Sindh in a short
time. On July 13, 45 persons were killed in a bomb blast in Hyderabad.
Pakistan Steel Mills also passed into a state of unprecedented anarchy. MQM
was once again accused of carrying out acts of massmurder through its terrorist
wing called Black tigers. The kidnapped workers andofficers of Pakistan Steel
could only be released after the intervention of commander 5-Corps, Gen. Asif
Nawaz.
On August 22, acts of firing on MQM reception campsall over the city resulted
in the killing of 27 persons. 55 persons were injured in these attacks.
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After a brief lull, masked gunmen reappeared on thestreets of Karachi and
Hyderabad, killing three and six persons respectively on September 8. Two more
persons died in Hyderabad on September 10. There was heavy firing in the city
on that day, and a petrol pump and a government office were set on fire. On
September 17, Hamid Imtiaz Hanif, son of the State Bank governor, was
kidnapped.
On October 19, the cloth merchants of Mah Market inKarachi’s Saddar area paid
dearly for removing the flag of a linguistic party from the top of the building. 82
shops in the market were gutted in a huge fire.
The type of political and social tendencies, which MQM displayed during 1990,
was in no way suitable to the national interests ofPakistan. It not only
antagonized other communities, but also persecuted those Urdu speaking people
who either opposed it actively, or were simply not interested in its politics. It
embarked on the mission of creating a state within the state.
The fact that MQM resorted to terrorism as a means of achieving anti-state
objectives is clear to everyone who saw it grow from rags to riches in a short
span of five years. It is not a mere coincidence that:
MQM was a regular party to all the incidents of blood letting that took place in
Karachi and Hyderabad since 1986
Nowhere was the Urdu speaking population found involved as a community in
racial killings, which remained the exclusive handiwork of its armed workers
All the Urdu speaking, Punjabi, Pukhtoon, Sindhi and Baloch victims of
terrorism in Sindh were killed because of their race.
Five years of MQM also showed it to be a party, which avoided solutions to
people’s problems as a consistent strategy of heightening alienation. MQM’s
attacks on Pakistan’s integrity, and the kind of violent reactions it displayed to
every move the Pakistani government made over the Kashmir problem
inevitably put this party in an unpatriotic frame, out to carry India’s cause
through the heart of Pakistan.
MQM’s most favorite pill for its voters is the rhetoric that it wants to eliminate
Waderas and feudal lords from Pakistani politics.
On December 9, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif announced in Sanghar a grant of
Rs 10 billion for Sindh. On December 11, in MQM’s Liaquatabad rally, he
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announced Rs 7 billion for Karachi. In December 17,the Jam-MQM government
terminated the services of 32 assistant commissioners and 18 DSPs.
1991
Having settled in the corridors of power, MQM caused to set in the worst period
of tyranny and persecution in the history of Sindh.It persecuted the press,
destroyed political rivals with impunity, and organized a huge force of
extortionists to discipline people and raise funds for the party. Dividing between
them the affairs of urban and rural Sindh, Altaf Hussain ran the province of
Sindh according to the menial whims and wildest fancies.
This was also the year when for the first time dissent within the MQM grew open
and strong. Afaq Ahmad and his friends were declared traitors and their
sentence specified. The slogan “Quaid’s traitor deserves death” became the
graffiti of every wall and the banner of every apartment house. MQM’s death
squads were pulled back from the fronts against other races and turned against
their own people.
Altaf Hussain’s own nerves creaked under the threatof dissent, and he left Nine-Zero to take refuge in Abbasi Shaheed hospital on the ruse of a bad kidney.
Security matters were taken back from the increasingly suspect party
organization and placed in the care of more loyal APMSO. As the crisis grew, so
did the need to enhance personal charisma. This waswhen the stories of miracles
in Saudi Arabia got currency, and the “saint” leader’s images, complete with the
mustaches and dark sunglasses, started appearing ontree leaves and mosque
tiles.
To convince the Punjabis of the spellbinding power of the Pir over his followers,
a group of 37 MQM MNAs and MPAs was dispatched to Lahore Press Club to
read before the journalists a written oath of allegiance. The test, which was not
allowed to be circulated in Karachi, repeatedly referred to the “blind faith” of
individual members in the leadership of Altaf Hussain.
The press conference was held on July 25, a day after Lahore high court ordered
the release of Afaq Ahmad and others. The press conference went on for two and
a half hours, and all this while a telephone was available to Altaf Hussain in
Abbasi Shaheed Hospital to hear the proceedings live (dailies Jang and Nawa-I-Waqt Lahaore, July 26, 1991). All the 37 members individually read their oaths
before the newsmen. Dr Farooq Sattar said, “if I commit treachery against the
Qauid, I will have denied my paternity”. Wasim Ahmad said, “if I go against the
Qauid. I may not be of my mother” (daily Nawa-I-Waqt Lahroe, July 26, 1991).
14
When the newsmen objected that they could not sit through the statements,
which were more or less alike, some MQM members retorted by saying, “once
we get a foothold in Lahore, then you will sit and listen, like they do in Karachi”.
This led to a number of journalists walking out of the press conference in protest.
Late in the evening of July 27, Pir Pagara’s sin-in-law, Salim Malik, was
assassinated while returning from Gadani. The poor man died because the
assassins thought it was Afaq Ahmad and his friendsentering into Karachi from
Balochistan. Two days later, the police for the murder arrested MQM terrorist,
Iqbal Chand.
1991 was, therefore, the year in which it became clear that MQM would not
change its character, no matter who ruled the country. It showed itself to be a
pressure group, which used Mohajirs to blackmail governments for attaining
individual objectives and eliminating opponents. Itlaunches bloody movements
against governments, which wouldn’t pay it any attention, and keeps on
tenterhooks those which are willing to get cozy.
MQM’s bully also took Karachi’s press to task. Whenthe press started reporting
even half-truths about MQM, the gunmen went into action. Known journalist
Maulana Salahuddin’s house was set on fire long before he was finally
assassinated. Daily Dawn, eveninger “Star” and monthly “Herald” were
prevented from distribution. Copies of dailies” Jang” and “The News” were
burnt in thousands, and MQM chairman, Azim Tariq, openly threatened
journalists when he said in a public meeting that they should “keep their Ka’aba
in the right direction”. Zafar Abbas, Kamran Khan, Nafisa Hoodbhai and other
journalists were attacked.
During this year, when MQM was in power and had itsministers both in
Islamabad and In Sindh, 27 police officers that refused to sidestep the law were
murdered. They included inspector Mohammad Usman, inspector Malik Ehsan,
Kazim Soomro etc.
This year the MQM fought its political rivals on two fronts. One was opened
against Islami Jamiatut-Talaba (IJT) and the other against the dissenters within
its ranks. On both fronts, the “enemies” were either jailed or dismissed as dacoits
and got killed.
On January 3, the Jam-MQM cabinet decided to set upfour special courts in
Sindh following the death of Shaukat Shah and aheadof the senate elections on
January 11.
15
On February 20, MQM’s 28 MPA’s expressed their confidence in altaf Hussain’s
leadership by submitting their resignations to chairman Azim Ahmad Tariq. On
February 21, the federal government indefinitely postponed the holding of
population census.
On March 3, dissent within the MQM surfaced when the party expelled its
provincial minister, Badar Iqbal on charges of financial embezzlement. Daily
Dawn was warned to mend its ways and not to publishthe statements of MQM’s
opponents. On March 19, MQM’s armed hooligan robbed21,000 copies of the
newspaper. On March 21, in protest over MQM’s excesses against hawkers, daily
Dawn suspended its publication.
On April 30, the two Japanese students who had beenkidnapped for ransom 45
days ago recovered. On July 17, MQM dissented Afaq Ahmad, Aamir Khan,
Naim Akhtar, Iqbal Qureshi, Mohammad ounus and NaimHashmat were
arrested in Lahore. On September 29, journalists all over the country observed
black day to protest over MQM attacks on newsmen. On October 1, terrorists
bombed the house of known journalist, Mohammad Salahuddin, and put on fire.
On October 11, the kidnapped Chinese engineers wererecovered. On October 16,
MQM’s Tariq Javed was appointed the acting chief minister of the province
following Jam Sadiq’s departure to London for treatment is returned in
November.
On December 31, Altaf Hussain spent his last day inPakistan. On an early
morning flight on January 1, 1992, he left for England never to come back.
Since Altaf Hussain’s arrival in England, he is operating his terrorist organization
from London under the coverage of Muthaidda Qaumi Movement.
1992
Criminal activities by MQM, the outrages of its extortionists called the “Bhatta
Mafia”, unabashed blackmailing of the trading and business community,
relentless subversion of the law, and the growing incidence of deaths in the city’s
torture cells forced the Nawaz Sharif government toorder a military operation
against “dacoits and terrorists” in Sindh. Sindh government endorsed this
operation, but MQM leaders Azim Tariq, Salim Shahzad and Dr Imran Farooq
objected to the word “terrorists” as one of the targets of this operation,
demanding that it should be repealed.
The operation was launched on May 28, 1992, and soon afterwards MQM
severed all ties with the masses, going undergroundto start building its anti-state fighting force. In the meantime, the government filed cases of murder,
kidnapping and larceny against Altaf Hussain on sixdifferent occasions. In view
16
of the seriousness of the situation, Altaf Hussain,who was already residing in
London, applied for political asylum in the USA, but the request was turned
down.
Soon the “non-political, unarmed” crusaders of fiveyears ago had turned into a
band of hooligans who were armed to their teeth, sniffing into every nook and
corner of this huge metropolis in search of dissentand opposition. Their exploits
became more than evident when following the onset of army operation, daily
Dawn’s Ghulam Hasnain picked a dusty piece of humannose from one of
MQM’s erstwhile torture cells in Landhi. So that’s what they had been up to,
chopping off noses and ears, and then hanging the victims or putting them
before the firing squads.
On December 15, 1995, an increasingly worried AltafHussain announced to quit
politics. “I am retiring from politics today, it has given me much pain”, he said.
But as the underground fighting network began to shape up, Altaf was back on
the scene, and his deputy Javed Langrha was alreadyshouting directives to party
activists from across the border in New Delhi.
The fighting force that was put together in the back alleys of Karachi was based
on a working system of logistics, communications and publicity, including
regular and cellular telephone links between Karachi, London, Africa and Delhi,
and the services of some capitalists, some city hospitals, some telephone
department personnel, some loyalists in the city police and some journalists of
local morning and evening newspapers. This force showed some speed by using
the local police to abort the actions of operation personnel, but the more it stayed
underground, the freer the Karachi press got. When Nawaz Sharif government
registered criminal cases against Altaf and his cohorts, and relatives of the
victims of MQM’s torture cells took out processions, MQM- (A) found itself
isolated on the political scene.
During its stay in Karachi, the army not only recovered a considerable number of
firearms during siege and search operations, it also saved a number of victims
from dying in MQM’s torture cells in Landhi and Lines Area. No innocent
person was either jailed or otherwise persecuted during the entire army
operation, and this is why MQM has not been able tobuild a case of human
rights violations against the army, although it tried its level best to give the army
a bad name.
MQM had two good reasons to defame the army: first,its favorite army chief,
General Mirza Aslam Beg, who was at the center of MQM’s grand designs to
capture absolute power in the country, was no more in the saddle, having failed
to convince the political leadership to give him anextension, and second, MQM’s
17
attacks on the army gave a cushion to Delhi based Javed Langrha in winning
Indians’ backing. The year 1992 brought a quick downfall to MQM, which had
attained the glory just as quickly.
On February 13, 1992, when MQM was still in power in Karachi although its
leader was settling down for an indefinite stay in London, Shujaat, the cousin of
Line Area’s Haqiqi leader Mansoor Chacha, was killed. Another person,
Mohammad Asif, was injured in the same area when miscreants fired on Rangers.
On February 24, Jamaat-e-Islami’s senator, Prof Khurshid Ahmad, stated that
had forcefully induced 6,000 men in Pakistan Steel Mills. Nusrat Mirza, a leader
of Mohajir Rabita Council, said if way was paved for Altaf Hussain’s return to
the country, there would be more bloodshed in Karachi.
Two police personnel were killed in Nazimabad on March 23. On April 21, a
Haqiqi activist, Sami, was killed in Liaquatabad. On May 5, a Karachi
industrialist, Azhar Iqbal, was killed. On May 9, five persons were killed in a
Hyderabad hospital. On May 17, Aga Khan Foundation’s Ashiq Ali Hirji was
kidnapped. His fate is yet to be known.
On May 19, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif held parleyswith the new chief
minister of Sindh, Muzaffar Hussain Shah, and the Corps commander Karachi,
on how to control the situation in the province. Later the same evening, the
Prime Minister met with Altaf Hussain during a brief stopover in London. On
June 4, the army came into Sindh. On June 19, to preempt possible clashes
between the two MQM groups, army came into Karachi and imposed curfew.
The entire MQM leadership went underground.
On June 22, cases were filed against 13 persons including Altaf Hussain. On June
24, the army opened for general public a huge torture cell in Landhi. The same
day the Karachi administration asked the people to demolish iron gates erected
by MQM all over the city. On June 27, MQM revoked its agreement with the
Nawaz Sharif government. On June 29, MQM members resigned their seats in
the national and Sindh assemblies. On July 13, 12 MQM MPAs said they had
submitted resignations under duress. On July 19, Sindh chief minister in an
announcement dissociated from MQM. He told a press conference that Altaf
would be arrested and put on trial.
On September 8, police inspector Bahadur Ali arrested two MQM terrorists,
Khalid and Asif Lala. They admitted to have assassinated the provincial election
commissioner’s son and councilor Anwaar Ahmad.
On November 7, MQM’s union chief in Pakistan Steel,Khalid Murtaza, was
arrested on the charges of illegal confinement of some persons the previous year.
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Ashfaq Chief, a notorious assassin who was also arrested alongwith Murtaza,
said, “I considered MQM to be the party of the oppressed, but I was made to do
bad jobs. I repent”.
On November 27, MQM chairman Azim Tariq surfaced from underground. He
said “Altaf Hussain may disown me, he may call me atraitor, it is up to him, but
God damn it, he has turned Karachi into a pond of blood” (Dailies Qaumi
Akhbar, and Nawa-e-Waqt Lahore).
1993
On December 15, Altaf Hussain announced his retirement from politics. On
December 24, a spokesman of the army said that action against terrorists had
been completed. But the year 1993 furnished furtherproof of Altaf Hussain’s
slippery cunning. He was not to renounce politics, nor allow the army to return
to barracks without any damage. Lost pirdom had to be regained, more so when
all it required was to draw more blood – and more publicity. Once he had taken
pride in Azim Tariq, now he wanted him eliminated. He experimented with
Rabita Committee to run party affairs, and brought up Senator Ishtiaq Azhar
(who is back in the background).
Elections were once again held in 1993, this time under the supervision of Moeen
Qureshi’s caretaker government. Altaf Hussain boycotted the elections, then he
participated in it, so that he missed the national assembly polls, but relented in
time for elections to Sindh assembly. The early days of 1993 had proved beyond
doubt that MQM politics consisted in rioting, terrorism and eliminating political
dissenter, and that the only concern of the party remained the individual
interests of its leaders. Renouncing politics, and then revoking the renunciation,
was both dictated by personal interests. It also became increasingly clear during
this year that Altaf Hussain will not return to thecountry.
Attention was drawn to this following Murtaza Bhutto’s return to the country
after 16 years of exile. Many people thought Altaf,too, should make a comeback,
but Altaf only contented himself with asking peoplein his telephonic addresses
whether he should come back. Towards the end of 1993, MQM began to move its
fighting network against the government and still continues on that path.
Meanwhile, whatever little politics its leaders in Karachi are playing is meant to
save there own skin; if they withdraw the drill machine of one terrorist or
another might turn them cold.
Four basic features marked MQM activities during 1993:
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1. They failed to gain the advantage for an Urduspeaking individual or
community.
2. They failed to promote trust and understanding with other parties
3. They failed to show MQM as an organized and active political opposition
4. They failed to promote democratic values.
On the contrary, the group used its leverage to restore peace in Karachi to
demand particular ministerial portfolios, other concessions and the withdrawal
of criminal cases against some of its leaders. The idea was to return to the era of
mass plunder by the likes of M.A. Jalil and Ishratul Ebad. MQM is trained in
using terrorism and destruction as its only political weapons, and which had no
respect for civilized, enlightened politics.
On February 10, 1993, 13 persons were killed in a bomb attack in Kotri. On
February 12, Azim Tariq excused himself from joining forces with Haqiqi. On
March 12, Altaf Hussain revoked his decision to renounce politics, and
announced that since Azim Tariq had breached his confidence, he was handing
the party to the care of the Rabita Committee.
On March 14, DIG Jails was killed in a parcel bomb attack. On March 18, Azim
Tariq courted arrest. Two days later he was released on bail. On May 1, he was
assassinated by terrorists led by Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui and Hashamuz Zafar
(Khalid is presently living with Altaf Hussain in London). On May 4, Tareq
Javed was elected the new chairman of the party. OnSeptember 18, Haqiqi called
a citywide strike. On October 1, MQM announced its decision to boycott
elections. Altaf Hussain reiterated this position on October 4. On October 7, the
group reversed its decision and announced that it will participate in the
provincial polls.
On October 25, the new chief minister of Sindh, Syed Abdullah ordered to create
the new district of Malir in Karachi division. Altaf Hussain used this decision as
a plank to shape his new fighting strategy against democracy. True to his
Hitlerian elements, Altaf was once again flexing muscles to bring terrorism in
Karachi.
1994
MQM spent Rs 30 million of its ill-earned money on more or less fifty telephonic
addresses made by Altaf Hussain from London during 1994. Since MQM never
encouraged questions, no one among Altaf’s telephonic audience had the
20
thought or the courage to ask where this money camefrom, or to what end was it
being used? It was being used to sow the seeds of separatism in people’s minds.
The spell of the telephonic addresses was carried to the public at large during the
funeral procession of Tanvir Ahmad, an MQM activistkilled in an encounter
with the police. The mourners chanted the slogans of “break Pakistan”, which
were shown to the world by India’s ZeeTV on February 20, 1994. Earlier,
newspapers had reported another slogan gaining currency among the party rank
and file: Formula for peace in Sindh, “half for you, half for us”.
On February 11, 1994, while addressing on phone theparty workers in Azizabad,
Altaf Hussain had said that the establishment of Malir district was a sign of
slavery for Mohajirs, and that Mohajirs would rather die than being enslaved.
We cannot live in this kind of Sindh”, he further said. On February 18 Altaf
telephonically addressed sympathizers in Karachi’s Hasrat Mohani Hall. He
asked them, “how long will you wait, how will you live”? The audience
responded, “half for you, half for us”. The boycottof daily Jang was announced
in this meeting and it was decided that hawkers would not be permitted to
distribute Jang the next morning.
On March 3, MQM MPA Arif Siddiqui tried to attack MQM’s estranged member,
Shamim Ahmad, inside the assembly building. Local bodies’ minister, Nadir
Magsi, prevented the attack by coming in the way. The scheming MQM’s
members later tactfully drew his armed guards into an ugly conflict. Although
Nadir Magsi tried his utmost to avoid scandalous fallout, defending an overtly
offensive Arif Siddiqui against his own guards, MQMhad succeeded in creating
an issue (The Frontier Post Lahore, March 4, 1994).
MQM activists burnt three vehicles in protest over this incident, and killed two
persons in Liaquatabad where an Eid bazaar was in progress. Four persons were
wounded in that attack. Life was disrupted in Karachi. Three days later, an
MQM death squad, headed by Kamran Jaffery, put fiveRangers and police
officials, including a captain of Pakistan Army, against the wall in Baldia town
and pumped hundreds of bullets into them. The grouplater shamelessly denied
any involvement in this incident. In order to boostits strength, MQM called a
strike on March 27 in which tree persons were killed and 17 vehicles burnt.
On April 13, on a telephonic address to audience inAzizabad’s Khurshid Begum
Complex, Altaf Hussain said, “If Sindh is divided, we won’t be responsible for
it”. He further said: “Friends. Listen to me carefully. Those of you who were
given receipts for contributions should deposit thesums with sector incharge. If
the sector people are listening let them send it tome in London. Some sectors
haven’t sent me their zakat and fitra deposits. If you don’t send it, you won’t get
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new receipts. Understand? For God’s sake expedite the transfer of money, these
contributions are the secret of our success. And listen, help the circulation of
daily “Amn”. Read every word of the statements published in this newspaper.
And one more thing, our comrades are in jails. Sendcontributions for them too. I
want to help them.
On April 26, MQM launched is campaign to offer voluntary arrests, but it fizzled
out in three days. On April 29, two persons were killed during a clash between
the police and MQM activists. Many policemen were wounded in the clash.
During yet another telephonic address, the Pir who cast his spell from across
seven seas was saying, “carry your excesses to the limit. But Mohajirs will not
break. Sindh will break”.
Up to May 4, six people died in rioting in Gulbahar, Nazimabad and elsewhere
in the city. On May 26, MQM staged a demonstration in Washington.
On June 11, MQM restarted firing in the city. Threepersons were killed in
Landhi on June 12. On June 20 a local court issued un-bailable warrants of arrest
against Altaf Hussain and others in the murder caseof Senator Mohsin Siddiqui.
On June 28, MQM operatives killed SHO Bahadur Ali alongwith six other
policemen.
In July, attacks on mosques and Imambargahs in Karachi started taking place. On
July 13, six persons were killed in an attack on a bus. On July 24, four persons,
including a cop and an Edhi Trust volunteer, were killed in an attack on
Imambargah Kashmiri. MQM Haqiqi’s finance secretary, Sardar Ahmad, was
killed on August 8. In reaction to this, trouble broke out in Karachi Central and
East in which two persons were killed and nine vehicles put on fire. Factional
clashes led to three more deaths on August 11. On August 17, unidentified
assailants killed notorious terrorist, Ashraf Langrha. On August 18, six dead
bodies, stuffed in gunny bags, were recovered form different parts of the city.
On September 10, Altaf Hussain sated that “Mohajirswant their geographical
boundaries to be determined” (Qaumi Akhbar). On September 17, eight, persons
died in incidents of indiscriminate firing in different parts of Karachi. On
September 26, three persons were arrested and 49 weapons recovered during an
operation in Lines Area. 320 weapons were recoveredduring a search operation
in Korangi.
On October 1, in an interview with the Voice of America, Altaf Hussain said:
“Although we have only invited suggestions on a separate province, a new
province will be in the interest of the country” (daily Amn, Oct 2, 1994). In
22
another statement the following day, Altaf said that the creation of a new
province would result in everyone getting his due rights.
On November 11, firing in Gujjar Nala, Abbasi Shaheed and Gulbahar areas led
to the killing of eight persons, including an officer of Pakistan Air Force. On
November 19, continuing violence in Liaquatabad andKorangi resulted in the
death of 12 persons, including a police constable. 21 persons were injured. Police
and army vehicles also came under attack.
In December 1994, 49 persons were killed, including10 police officials. Police
paid a heavy price for fighting terrorism in Karachi in 1994. 70 policemen were
killed during this year, which also saw the death of six Rangers and four army
personnel. Government officials remained the targets of terrorist, and it was a
harassed and demoralized police force that took over after the army pulled out
on November 30, 1994.
1995
But while a new official strategy was soon to lift the police’s morale and place it
on a higher ground against a weakening terrorist outfit, the latter diversified its
targets in order to preserve its leftover strength.This augured ill for those
laborers who had come to Karachi from such far-flung areas as Hazara,
Faisalabad and Khushab to earn a living. They became the targets of a new look
strategy of terrorism in 1995.
Apart from this, Karachiites also saw the worst form of religious fanaticism
emerge on Karachi’s political scene, and then die its own death, in 1995.
Hundreds of people died in terrorist attacks in thefirst ten months of this year.
As many as 433 persons died in the first three months of 1995 alone. The victims
included 234 nonpartisans, 56 TNFJ activists, 49 Haqiqi activists, 38 activists of
Sipah-e-Sahaba, 28 activists of MQM and 28 Rangers and police personnel.
The holy month of Ramzan in 1995 began with the killing of three persons
including two women. On February 4, 11 persons werekilled in terrorist attacks
in Gulberg, Hyderabad Colony and Gulshan-e-Iqbal. On February 5, the
government Pakistan observed a solidarity day with the Kashmiris, and rallies
were held all over the country to back the Kashmiris’ cause. But MQM refused to
take part in it. On the contrary, it embarked on a retaliatory campaign, leading to
the death of 20 persons in different acts of terrorism in the city.
The dead included 11 workers of the Harkatul Ansaarorganisation who were
manning a Kashmir day camp in Liaquatabad. Six persons were killed on
February 7, three persons died in factional fighting on February 10, and two
23
persons were killed on February 11. On February 13,masked gunmen shot dead
11 persons, including five children. Five persons, including a Haqiqi activist,
were killed on February 15, while three persons were shot dead near
Nazimabad’s Gol Market on February 16. On February 17, three persons
including an MQM activist were killed. On February 18, 10 persons, including
four Shia brothers, were killed. On February 19, three persons were killed,
including a sub-editor of weekly Jhalak magazine.
Seven persons were killed on February 20,three on February 21, five on February
22,and three on February 23. Senator, Shafqat Mahmood, in a statement
condemned MQM leader Anwar Khan’s close working with the Indian
delegation during Geneva conference, and called upon the MQM either to
disown Anwar Khan or admit to its links with the Indian government. Seven
persons were killed on February 24. 25 more were killed on February 25,
including 20 worshippers in a city Imambargah. Fourpersons were killed on
February 27. ON February 28, president of Mehran Bank, Younus Habib, was
sentenced to 17 years’ imprisonment for embezzling more than two billion
rupees, including Rs 140 million, which he had paidto Mirza Aslam Beg.
On March 1, Altaf Hussain vowed that he would neverallow Karachi to become
a city of Punjab. He said that bad days were yet instore for the city. On this day,
two PSF workers were killed. On March 2 (the eve ofEidul Fitr), seven persons
were killed PECH Society. On Eid day, two Haqiqi activists were shot dead in
the Jamshed Quarters area. The next day an MQM activist was killed. Nine
persons were killed on March 5, including a Rangerssleuth, three police officials
and five Haqiqi activists. On March 6, four personswere killed including a police
constable. Two police officials were among the six persons killed on March 7.
On March 8, terrorists killed seven persons including two officials of US
consulate. Ten persons were killed on March 9. On March 10, the black Friday, 21
people were killed, including eight children who died in a bomb blast near
Malir’s Hussainia mosque. Four persons were killed on March 11. On March 12,
MQM activists’ raid on Haqiqi’s Pak Colony office resulted in the death 12
persons. Four more persons were killed on March 13.Three persons died on
March 17, five on March 18 and two on March 19. Twopersons were killed on
March 20, and three including a cop, were killed onMarch 21. The same day the
government announced to launch action against terrorists in Karachi. Sindh
government held an all parties’ conference for the restoration of peace in Karachi,
but MQM refused to attend. Two persons were killed on March 26, two on
March 27, and three on March 28.
In the month of April, 88 persons were killed in terrorist attacks, factional
fighting and police encounters. The victims included 26 nonpartisans, 21
24
personnel of law enforcing agencies, 13 activists of MQM, 13 Haqiqi activists, 11
activists of Sipah-e-Mohammad, four activists of Sipah-e-Sahaba and one PPP
activist.
Clashes between the two MQM groups intensified during April. The April 24
police actin against MQM to vacate its occupation of Mir Garden in Hyderabad
prompted the group to intensify its action against the government officials as
well. Rocket launchers came in use for the first time in these months, and
government properties as well as Rangers check posts were targeted with these
heavy weapons.
Altaf Hussain in a statement said that constitutionbe amended to pave the way
for his party’s demands. MQM terrorist, Zahid Andha, was arrested on April 8.
He was responsible for burning a Blue Lines coach, and with it seven passengers,
near Al-Karam square in Liaquatabad. On April 18, terrorists killed eight persons
in North Nazamabad, including four Haqiqi activists. On April 25, 15 private
and government vehicles were set on fire in Hyderabad. On April 27, 16 vehicles,
a post office and a pumping station were burnt in Hyderabad. On April 29,
terrorists raided a Rangers checkpoint, the Rangers’ camp and a police station,
killing one police ASI.
In May 1995, 35 personnel of law enforcing agencieswere killed. Other victims of
terrorism included 72 nonpartisans, 16 activists ofMQM 7 Haqiqi activists and
four activists of PPP. Most victims were kidnapped,tortured, killed, and their
bodies dumped in various parts of the city. These incidents started in May, and
continued into July, 289. Of these, 434 were nonpartisans, 52 members of the law
enforcing agencies, 29 activists of MQM, 19 Haqiqi activists.
Thirty five persons were killed and 89 vehicles burnt during the first five days of
June. Pushto speaking people suffered the most losses in terms of property. They
protested, and MQM had to issue a statement from London telling his activists
not to burn transport, but to continue with the strikes. This was a most
significant statement. Altaf ordered an end to the burning of transport. If his
activists were not involved in arson, as his party leaders have been asserting time
and again, he would have no need to issue such a directive.
On May 5, the US consulate announced that in futureit would issue visas from
Lahore. The reason cited for this decision was terrorism in Karachi. On the Eidul
Azha day (May 10), terrorists attacked Shah Faisal police station, killing one
police constable. Seven persons, including Rangers personnel, were killed on
May 12. On May 14, Pakistan announced that it wouldobserve a black day on
May 19 in protest over the desecration of Charar Sharif shrine in Kashmir. On the
eve of the black day, on May 18, terrorists in citywide attacks killed 15 persons,
25
including a Rangers officer. Also, arsonists put onfire five vehicles and a saving
center. On May 19, MQM remained quite. It called a mourning day on May 22.
Acts of terrorism on the eve of the day led to the killing of five persons and the
burning of several vehicles. On the day itself, terrorists killed 23 persons,
including 4 policemen, Rangers personnel and a PPP activist.
In the month of June, MQM embarked on a strategy toignite linguistic riots all
over Sindh. Though the strategy failed to pay dividends, many Karachi based
persons with families in the interior Sindh or elsewhere in the country lost their
lives in the process. In this connection, a group of MQM terrorists raided the
KDA registration office in Liaquatabad’s Supermarket area. 10 Sindhi-speaking
officials were isolated from the rest of the staff,and shot dead. MQM terrorists
Rehan Kana and Saeed Cheetah were involved in this operation. The story was
almost entirely told by a local evening paper, Awam, on that day, but complete
details came to light after the arrest of Saeed Cheetah and his subsequent
narrative before the press in Islamabad.
The Supermarket incident blew up in the face of MQM. The party stood exposed
and a feeling of resentment was unmistakably risingamong the people. MQM
countered this by hitting at a tender spot of people’s psyche. It engineered the
dishonoring of women in a series of incidents to appease public opinion. The
first to suffer this ignominy was Farzana Sultan. MQM alleged that more than 5
men raped her on June 22. Medical reports drawn by both the Sindh government
and the Aga Khan hospital however, negated MQM version.
But this did not stop MQM from calling for day of mourning with its
concomitant loss of human life and property. A close associate of late Azim Tariq
and a potential witness of his murder case, S.M. Tariq, was killed during this
unrest MQM promptly laid the blame on official agencies. On June 25, the
government was served a 48-hour notice to arrest the molesters of Farzana and
the killers of S.M. Tariq. On June 26, Rabita Committee announced a weekly
strike on Fridays and Saturdays with the express purpose of crippling the
country economically.
Between January and June 1995, police killed 57 terrorists and arrested 319 others
in 143 encounters. On June 1, bomb blasts took place in Sindh Assembly and
Lyari area. Rocket attacks were launched against the police in Orangi. On June 2,
terrorists hit and blasted several electric transformers in Karachi Central, besides
setting 25 vehicles on fire. 38 more vehicles were burnt on June 3. On June 4, 10
persons were killed and 20 vehicles set on fire. Life in Karachi Central came to a
standstill, and daily wage earners girded their loins to face another spell of
starvation. On June 5, seven persons were killed and 17 vehicles burnt. Ten
26
persons, including five policemen, were killed on June 10. A child was killed in
an RPG attack in Clifton area on June 11.
Nine persons were killed, including two policemen. On June 15, 24 persons were
killed, including the 10 Sindhis who were lined up and shot in the KDA
registration office located at 3rd floor of Super market in Liaquatabad. RPGs
again figured on June 21. Ten persons were killed. On June 22, Farzana Sultan
was brought to Karachi Press Club at 9:30 p.m. for a press conference. On June 24,
terrorists burnt four bogies of Chanab Express, androbbed the weapons they
were carrying for Rangers in Karachi. 30 persons were killed and 23 vehicles
burnt on June 25.
Law enforcing agencies came into action in July. Government issued orders that
terrorist control over some government property anda number of private houses
in Korangi area be vacated. On July 5,6, 13 and 24,the police engaged terrorists
in encounters, killing 10 and arresting 6. Propertyand arms recovered from these
terrorists included 11 stolen vehicles and two motorbikes, two wireless sets, a
klashnikov, a rocket launcher, four rifles, two pistols, a repeater gun and 559
rounds of ammunition. An operation of the same nature was conducted in
Orangi on July 2, 5, and 23 in which 55 criminals, including 31 Bengalis, were
arrested.
MQM called violent strikes on June 30, July 1, 7, 8and 9. On July 1, 19 persons
including a police ASI were killed, while 17 more persons died on July 2,
including a Rangers officer and a police constable.Six persons were killed on
July 3, and six more were killed on July 4, including a woman and a cop. 11
persons died on July 5, eight on July 6, 11 on July7, 13 on July 8, 10 on July 9, six
on July 10. On July 1, 16 persons including two PPPactivists, two cops, a doctor
and a woman were killed. On July 12, six persons including a police ASI were
killed. On July 13, 12 persons were killed including a police ASI. Four persons
were killed on July 14, 10 including a PTV employeewere killed on July 15, while
eight persons including an army lance naik, a PPP activist and the crime reporter
of daily Sang-e-Meel were killed on July 16.
On July 29, terrorists shot and killed the son of alocal PML (Nawaz) leader who
had in a TV appearance appreciated the Rangers’ action against terrorists in
Orangi. On August 2, the dreaded MQM terrorist, Farooq Dada (whom Altaf
Hussain insisted on calling Farooq Patni), was killed in police encounter
alongwith comrades Ghaffar Mada, Javed Michael and Babar Deputy. Police in
15 murder cases wanted Dada, which in the local Karachi slang means a bully.
In retaliation, the MQM terrorist killed 24 persons, including SDM Nawaz
Khushk, on August 3. On August 6, another front ranking MQM terrorist, Fahim
27
commando, was arrested alongwith three other terrorists. Commando was
wanted in murder cases of sub-inspector Bahadur Ali, Haqiqi leader Mansoor
Chacha, MQM leader S.M. Tariq two DSPs and one Ds Ranger. On August 15,
another MQM terrorist, Tariq Commando, was arrested. Sindh chief minister, in
a statement, termed as “sick” the terrorists who were dumping dead bodies in
gunny bags.
During the month of August, MQM lost most of its topnotch terrorists either
through voluntary surrender, arrest during police raids, or death in encounters
with the police. MQM another morning call for August 23, in which four persons
were killed and 18 vehicles set on fire. Shopkeepers pulled down shutters fearing
violence, but the wheel did not jam. On August 24, 11 persons died in acts of
terrorism. The victim included four residents of Jacobabad. On August 26, eight
persons were brought together in a Moosa Colony house, and killed.
On September 1, MQM again fell back on the use of women to give the
administration a bad name. This time a woman activist of the party, Seema
Zarrin, was presented to the people as a victim of police excesses. Using this as
an issue MQM called for another strike on September4, in which five persons
were killed and 12 vehicles burnt. On September 6, Karachiites celebrated the
defense day with unusual enthusiasm, but MQM did not participate in these
celebrations. On September 7, its terrorists struck, killing 11 persons. Another
protest day was called by MQM on September 10 in which four persons,
including a constable, were killed. 18 vehicles were also set ablaze. The same day,
Sindh chief minister displayed a poster in the assembly, which was used by
MQM in its international campaign against Pakistan.
The poster sported slogans against Pak Army. On September 16, eight persons
were killed including three traffic cops, while sixpersons were shot dead on
September 17. On September 18, five MQM terrorists were arrested following an
encounter with the police. These terrorists were responsible for the Moosa
Colony manslaughter. On September 20, seven personswere killed and 12
vehicles burnt to set the pace for another strike on September 21. Six more
persons were killed and four vehicles torched on the day of the strike.
While MQM was still successful in paralyzing life in the city by calling frequent
strikes, the backbone of its terrorist wing had been broken. Fear of terrorism
remained a real one, yet some measure of confidencewas being restored among
the people about the ability of the government to contain MQM excesses. It was
becoming increasingly clear that through frequent strike calls, common people
were being made to suffer for terrorists every single one of whom had his hands
stained in the blood of at least 10, and in some cases as many as 40 innocent
people.
28
1996
On 3rd Jan, MQM called for strike in which three innocent citizens were killed
and numerous vehicles were set ablaze in Karachi. (Pakistan Observer 4-1-96)
MQM gave new conditions for talks to federal government on the same day. (The
Muslim 4-1-96).
On 4th Jan, MQM team including Senator Ishtiaq Azaar and Kahlid Bokhari met
the U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan Mr. Johan Rolzeman and gave him the
exaggerated view of situation in Karachi. Talking to newsmen senator said
“Today’s meeting with US acting ambassador was beginning of was campaign
and MQM – A leaders would continue meeting foreign ambassadors in
Islamabad to put pressure on Pakistan”. (The Muslim 5-1-96).
Altaf Hussain in January 1996 gave an interview to “Frontline” from London to
Anjali Moday Altaf again threatened in his usual manner and said, “If anything
happens, the MQM will not be responsible; “
On 17th Jan, the federal government approved MQM’s,another request and
granted Rs. 5 lakh for the Hasrat Mohanni Memorial library and Hall trust. It
was a gesture of goodwill from the government to MQM to change its nature.
(The News 15-1-96).
On the same day, rockets were fired at MQM (H) headquarters in Landhi and
Haqiqi’s Chief Afaq Ahmed Khan accused the MQM-A and its militants of the
attack and alleged that it was carried out on the orders of self-exiled chief Altaf
Hussain. (Dawn 18-1-96).
Ajmal Dehlvi came back Pakistan on 18 Jan after fifteen days visit to London.
On 29th Jan, MQM (A) demanded reconstitution of thenegotiating team of the
Government.
On 1st Feb, MQM, terrorist claimed the responsibility of killing at least one
person personally and scores of others in collaboration with other activists on
behest of Altaf Hussain. (Pakistan Observer, The Muslim, Pakistan Times 2- 2-96).
On the same day four MQM activists were arrested inSaudi Arabia who were
working there. (The Muslim 2-2- 1996).
29
The very same day Ajmal Dehlvi warns government that MQM will disrupt
world cup matches. (Frontier Post Peshawar/The Muslim Islamabad 3-2-96).
On 12th Feb Mr. Zubair Akram Nadeem (MNA & the member of the government
negotiating team who was lately killed by the terrorists of same party) held talks
with Ajmal Dehlavi
On 15th Feb, ex-MNA and prominent leader of MQM Kunwar Khalid Younus
took another dramatic move. He was brought to the STA court situated next door
to the U.S. Consulate. He sought to the policeman permission to the library and
surrendered himself to consulate of seeking political asylum but US Consul-General Karachi handed over Kunwar Khalid to the SSP south. (The Nation,
Pakistan Times, Nawa-e-Waqt 16-2-96).
On the same day, Syed Yareed Shahadat alias Shoaib,an MQM activists involved
in the murders of at least twenty persons includingthe murder of Ehsan Ali Shah,
brother of ex-chief minister Sindh.
Giving the details of murder of Ehsan Ali Shah he said “Nazimuddin, sector
incharge of Federal B Area informed that he had gotinstructions from London
(Altaf Hussain) to kill Ehsan Ali Shah.”(The Muslim, Pakistan Times, Nawa-I-Waqt,
Pakistan Observer 16-2-96).
On 19th Feb, a petition was filed in the Lahore High Court, Rawalpindi bench for
the release of Dr. Mohd Moin who was arrested in Saudi Arabia and handed
over to Islamabad by Jeddah. (The Muslim 20 -2-96)
On 28th Feb 1996, 3 MQM workers confessed plan to kill religious leaders with
the assistance of a sectarian group along with numerous murders and dacoities.
(The Nation 29-2-96)
On 29th Feb a terrorist belonging to MQM (A) confessed that he along with other
MQM (A) terrorists had been setting vehicles on fire, attacking police pickets and
public and private properties on the directives issued by “nine-zero” the central
headquarter of MQM (A) in Karachi, while the nine-zero used to receive such
directives from Pir Sahib (Altaf Hussain) in London. (Frontier Post, Peshawar 1-3-96)
European parliament passed a joint resolution in 15th Feb which exclusively
blamed MQM’s two factions for the “human rights abuses and violence” in the
urban centers of Sindh, especially in Karachi and Hyderabad. (The Nation 3-3-96).
30
On 5th March, 2 kidnapped persons were recovered from the custody of MQM
men.(Pakistan Times 6-3-96)
On the same day government agreed to order a judicial inquiry into the charges
leveled by MQM. (Dawn 6-3-96)
Visa sections of American Embassies discouraged thevisa applications
forwarded by MQM’s workers (Jang 12-3-96)
On 25th March, Lahore police officially announced the arrest of 8-member gang
of terrorists. The gang was said to be involved in 300 murders and several
dacoities in Karachi and Lahore. The member of gangconfessed the plan to
sabotage the Cricket World Cup final “though they could not act upon it due to
strict security measures”. (The Nation, Islamabad 26-3-96).
On 27th March another MQM activist Aleem-uddin confessed 14 murders in a
press conference which he did on the directives from Altaf Hussain (Nawa-I-Waqt
Rawalpindi 28-3-96)
Shamim Ahmed (the Sindh health minister of that time) announced another
faction of MQM, Which one is a true representative of Mohajir God knows. (The
News Rawalpindi 2-4-96)
On 3rd April MQM Indian connections were once againexposed when in a
seminar organized by Delhi based NGO Mohd Aris, MQM’s representative
“exactly playing at his master’s voice went on to venom spitting spree against
Pakistan, at the behest of Indian mentors. (Pakistan Times Islamabad 4-4-96)
“Pakistan Times” wrote that the singular objective of this seminar was to down
play the liberation struggle in Held Kashmir.
On 9th April, four MQM terrorists were arrested in Multan, who were involved
in 13 cases of murder, six cases of abduction murder and several other crimes.
Those arrested admitted that they were very close to the MQM high command
and involved in subversive activities, murders, arson, looting and
abductions.(The Nation Islamabad Jang – Rawalpindi 10-4-96)
On 10th April another MQM terrorist Nadeem Chita got arrested from Azizabad
Karachi. His name was included in the list of 39 most wanted criminals. His
arrest carried the reward of Rs one million. (Pakistan Observer Islamabad 1-4-96)
31
On 12th April a delegation of MQM went to Geneva toattend the session of the
United Nations Human Rights Commission to propagatethe violations of
human rights in Pakistan.
Asked by the BBC about their activities the delegation leader Mohammad Anwar
said, “We have three books. The Title of one “genocide of Mohajirs” the second is
“Death Warrant”, and third book is a catalogue.
He added “these three books we are distributing here and we are also lobbying.
There is a representation of about 152 countries atthe UNIRC and we have so for
contacted more than 100 countries”. (Pakistan Observer Islamabad 13-4-96)
On 15th April MQM (A) unit chief held and arms recovered from him. (Pakistan
Times Islamabad 16-4–96)
On 17th April a rally was held in London to press the demand for deportation of
MQM-A leader Altaf Hussain. (The News Rawalpindi 18-4-96)
During the same month once again MQM (A) used Indian-sponsored NGOs to
defame Pakistan at International level. (Pakistan Times Islamabad 18-4-96)
On 7th May, ex-councilors of MQM got arrested alongwith 6 other terrorists of
MQM (A). Councilors were involved in more than 25 cases of kidnapping,
murder and terrorism. (Pakistan Times Islamabad 8-5-96)
On 10th May, Sindh government spokesman strongly condemned the MQM’s
strike on killing of terrorists and said it clearlyshows the open support and
patronage of terrorists by MQM (A). (Pakistan Times 11-5-96)
This strike which was called to mourn the death of five terrorists was failed to
draw much response. 4 vehicles were set on fire. (Pakistan Times, Islamabad 13-5-96)
On 17th May, FIA stopped Javed Langhra’s (an MQM terrorists in India) family
from leaving for India because they failed to produce the necessary documents.
(The Nation Islamabad, Pakistan Observer, Jang 18-5-96)
On 21st May 1996 a report was published in “The Nation” in which Khalid
Qayum explained that the MQM delegation at the H.R.C. session in Geneva was
conducted by two persons Ashoke Bhan and Pandita, both having “affiliation”
with RAW. (The Nation 21-5-96)
32
On 27th May five MQM terrorists got arrested and anLMG with 250 rounds, two
7 MM rifles, five T.T. pistols and hundreds of rounds were recovered from them.
(The Nation Islamabad 28-5-96)
Two MQM terrorists were arrested on I June and armsand ammunition were
recovered from them including a light machine-gun along with stand and 400
rounds, 10 motor bombs, three complete rocket propelled grenade (RPG). 7 shells
and 100 rounds of klashnikov from a store. (The News Rawalpindi 2-6-96)
On 9th June, 2 more terrorists of MQM (A) were arrested and two TT pistols with
bullets were recovered from their possession. (Pakistan Times, Pakistan Observer
10-6-96).
On 16th June Karachi police arrested Azhar Sayyan and Naseem Pajama wanted
terrorists of MQM along with two kaloshnikovs, fourmagazines and 42 rounds.
Azhar was wanted in more than 50 cases and police in 27 cases wanted Naseem.
(Pakistan Observer Islamabad 17-6-96)
On 25th June, 3 more MQM terrorists were arrested by Karachi police in two
different raids and a T.T. pistol and a repeater were recovered from their
possession. (The Muslim 26-6-96)
On 8th July police arrested three MQM- (A) terrorist recovered two TT pistols
and a kaloshnikov from their possession. These terrorists were involved in
different murder cases also. (The News, 9-7-96)
On 16th July Korangi police after an encounter arrested Amjad Chitta a notorious
criminal belongs from MQM – (A) with a 30-bore pistol with four rounds.
(Pakistan Observer, 17 -7-96)
On 21st August Hafiz Osama Qadri former MPA and an active member of MQM
– (A) was arrested Government had announced Rs. 10 lakh. Reward on his arrest.
He was nominated in more than 50 cases of murders and other crimes including
attack on the house of Editor Takbeer, late Salahuddin. (The News 22-8-96)
On 26th August The Brigade police arrested 3 MQM activists involved in murder,
attempted murder, robbery and to her heinous crimes. Police also recovered four
Kaloshanikovs, two repeaters, one short gun and a 7MM rifle from their
possessions. (The News 27-8-96)
On 1st September former MPA of MQM-A Hifiz Osama Qadri who was arrested
on the charges of heinous crimes denied the allegations that he was being
tortured during interrogations before the press. (The News Rawalpindi 2-9-96)
33
On 11th Sept a lady MPA of MQM-A Feroza Begum defected from this party and
joined Sindh Cabinet and said that she was underground but she thought it
better to come out and work to save her life (Pakistan Observer, The Muslim
Islamabad, Dawn, Nawa-e-Waqt 12-9-96)
On 1st October 1996 The CIA and District Central Police arrested nine more
activists of MQM- (A) from different areas of Karachi, recovered four hand
grenades, one klashnikov and two TT pistols, one revolver and 1500 KK rounds
from them. (Pakistan Observer 2-10-96)
On 5th October, Over two dozen MQM activists arrested in different encounter
from different places. These persons were wanted indifferent cases of murder
and dacoity. Arms were recovered from them. (The Nation Islamabad 6-10-96)
On 10th October four MQM – (A) men were arrested. Two of them Nadeem alias
Bangali, and Yousaf alias Bal were close associatesof Javed Langra (terrorist of
MQM -A working with RAW). A klashnikov rifle and a TT pistol were recovered
from them. (The News 11-10-96)
The United States Immigration and Naturalization Services (INS) refused
granting asylum to three frontline MQM (A) men including party’s senior Vice
Chairman Saleem Shahzad.( The News 22-12-96)
1997
On 3rd Jan, in an article in “the News” an independent news daily of our country
Javed Soomro an eminent written wrote
“At the initial stage of its formation, the MQM, byvirtue of being a party with
massive support in the cities, came to be known as a party of the middle class.
At the ideological and practical level, the MQM, however undertook the policies
and practices which were contrary to the characteristics of a middle-class party.”
He further added “All over the world middle class parties have traditionally
aligned themselves with democratic and progressive forces and had advocated
grand alliances with suppressed classes and nationalities. MQM contrary to all
these recognized characteristics, never ever attempted to provide leadership to
the vast majority of suppressed rural population”. (The News 3-1-97)
On 18th Jan, the government of Sindh ordered release of two MQM senators
Aftab Ahmed Shaikh and Mrs. Nasreen Jalil on parole. (Dawn, The Muslim 9-1-97)
34
Political relief to MQM-A of contesting elections was given and release of its
leaders on parole is one of a goodwill gesture in this regard. (Pakistan Observer
20-1-97)
It is ironical that MQM demanded disarmament of allpolitical groups. (The
Muslim, 20-1-97)
On 19th Jan, Dr Farooq Sattar got released on parole. (The News, 20-1-97)
On 20th Jan, MQM’s National Assembly candidate fromRahim Yar Khan Javed
Mazari was arrested along with one MQM worker. (The Muslim 21-1-97)
The election campaign of same MQM who not only a week before demanded to
disarm all the political groups in Karachi, took bloody turn as both factions of
MQM resorted to violence against each other. Many people were shot dead and
both factions blamed each other for shooting and killing people. (Pakistan
Observer 26-1-97)
On one hand MQM-A put the allegation of worst rigging in Karachi during
elections (The Muslim)
On the other hand on the base of same election results they started trying for
Chief Minister slot in Sindh. (The News 18-2 97).
On 12th April, three MQM (H) workers killed and oneinjured in different
incidents of terrorism by the rival faction MQM (A). (The News Rawalpindi 13-4-97)
On 14th April, Karachi once again apprehended by a bitter faction fighting
between two MQM factions. (Frontier Post Peshawar 15-4-97)
On 16th April, two MQM (H) activists killed by MQM (A) activists. (The News,
Rawalpindi 16-4-97)
On 2nd May, over 500 MQM (H) activists rounded up. (The Nation Islamabad 3-5-97).
On 4th May, 70 more Haqiqi activists arrested. (Nation Islamabad 5-5-97).
On 17th May 1997 Akhtar Payams wrote in an article “ MQM must acknowledge
realities” in DAWN in which he said,
35
“Fantasies have no place in politics. Daydreams maysustain some individuals
for some time, but they cannot be converted into hard realities. The remaining of
the MQM cannot work wonders”.
On 23rd May, PML (N) MNAs from Sindh showed the signs of unrest on the”
aggressive attitude” of MQM who was also the coalition partners of PML at that
time. (The News, Rawalpindi 24 -4- 97)
On 10th June, 12 people killed in a wave of violence in Karachi- MQM (A)
blamed for it. (The Muslim Islamabad 11-6-97).
On 17th June 1997 Altaf asks workers to close down all its liaison offices. (The
Nation, Islamabad 18-6-97).
On the same day four persons shot dead in Karachi and both factions of MQM
blamed each other as usual for it. (N.Waqt, Rawalpindi 18-6-97).
On 18th June, Government once again invited MQM fortalks, as it believes in
negotiations and non-violence. (Dawn, Karachi 19-6-97).
On 18th June, MQM wants army to replace rangers andnow the same MQM
criticizing rangers. (19-6-97 The Muslim Islamabad).
On 21st June, MQM asked its MNA, Kanwar Khalid to explain the statement in
which he called for the deployment of troops in Karachi. (22-6-97 The News
Rawalpindi).
According to an MQM press release faxed from Londondated May 28th, Altaf
Hussain told a party rally in Birmingham hat the MQM was neither against the
army nor against any nationality of Pakistan. (24-6-97 The News, Rawalpindi).
On 29th June, one MQM (H) activist arrested on the charges of attacking MQM-A
office. (The Muslim Islamabad 30-6-97).
On 6th July four persons including a bridegroom killed in violence in Karachi
and once again MQM (A) held responsible for it. (The Muslim, Islamabad 7-6-97).
On 8th July, PM urges MQM to increase cooperation with government once
again.
On 9th July, three MQM workers arrested on Pak-Afghan border. (Jang,
Rawalpindi 10-7-97).
36
MQM decided to oppose the anti-terrorist laws proposed by government, which
wants to enforce in a bid to weed out terrorism from the country, reported B.B.C.
(Nation, Islamabad 17-7-97).
Altaf Hussain summoned top MQM leadership to Londonfor some “crucial
decisions”. (Pakistan Observer Islamabad 23-7-97).
In its editorial The Muslim Islamabad wrote on July24 “After investigations
stretching over many days, intelligence agencies have held the MQM (A)
responsible for the murder of the KESE, Shahid Hamid, his bodyguard a driver.”
On 26th July, MQM changed its face and name once again and this time renamed
as (Muhttaida Qaumi Movement”. (The Nation/The Muslim, Islamabad 27-7-97).
Aziz Bughio wrote in his article “what if name changed!” that change in the
name is not a very optimistic thing “Unless the MQMcharges its designs and
approach to politics” (The Muslim, Islamabad, 3-8-97)
This all turned out to be very true. On 5th August,MQM (H) activists looked for
DSP’s murder. (The News, Rawalpindi 6-8-97).
On 14th August, MQM rejected bill on terrorism. (Dawn, Karachi 5-8-97)
MQM’s armed terrorists kidnapped the workers of Jamaat Islami and left near
graveyard after threatening and torturing them. (Jasarat Karachi, 2-9-97).
On 7th September, Syed Ishtiq Azhar, Convenor, coordination committee been
renamed from part convenership on serious violations of party disciplines. (The
Muslim, Islamabad 8-9-97)
“The News” wrote on 9th September “Ishtiaq forced to resign for links with
MQM-H” (The News, Rawalpindi 9-9-97).
On 10th September, 20 MQM Haqiqi activists arrested. (The Muslim Islamabad 11-9-97)
Ishtiaq reactivates Mohajir Rabita Council, which was merged, with the Altaf led
MQM way back in 1991. (The News, Rawalpindi 12-9-97).
On 14th September, Ishtiaq Azhar alleged that he was forcibly removed from the
party position because he had been opposing extortion in the name of the party.
(Dawn, Karachi 15-9-97)
37
MQM (H) asked British government to oust Altaf Hussain alias Adolf Hitler
from London. (The Nation, Islamabad 28-9- 97).
On 2nd October, MQM faction pitched battles, in which three killed, 6 vehicles
set ablaze. (Frontier Post, Peshawar 3-10-97).
MQM feared Haqiqi attacks on Liaquatabad. (Dawn, Karachi 4-10-97)
On 8th October 1997 MQM-A demanded the arrest of MQM (Haqiqi) official
Tehseen Zafar who had been sent by his party to open an office in London, they
also called him drug smuggler. The MPAs of MQM (A) in the statement said that
MQM (H) was terrorizing the residents of Landhi, Korangi, Malir and Shah
Fairal colony. (Dawn 9-10-97)
On 12th October Afaq Ahmed of MQM (Haqiqi) demandedre-elections on MQM
seats and said that Mohajir had rejected MQM (A) and its leader Altaf Hussain
altogether. (N.Waqt, 13-10-97)
On 23rd October, Chief Organizer MQM Nizamuddin in his two-page letter to
British Prime Minister Tony Blair appealed to him to take action against MQM
chief Altaf Hussain who was collecting money from people in the name of the
poor and needy violating the charity regulations. This is to be noted that this Mr.
Nizamuddin was the personal bodyguard of Altaf Hussain when he was in
Pakistan. (The Nation, 24-10-97)
1998
The Nation “in its Editorial note of 10th Jan 1998 while discussing the “No Go
Areas” of MQM has said, “No Go Areas was a peculiarself-defence concept to
begin with but in the polarised city of Karachi this was perhaps the only way for
the two rival of MQM factions from continuing to kill each other.”
On Jan 10th three persons including one woman were killed while five others
injured in indiscriminate firing in MQM factions clash. (The Muslim, The
Nation11-1-98)
On 16th January 1998 Birg. A.R. Siddiqi published anews analysis about the
clashes between rival MQM groups, in which he said,serial shoot-outs and
armed encounters between the workers of the mainstream (Muthaidda) and
breakaway (Mohajir) MQM have made a virtual hostageof public peace in the
city’s predominantly Mohajir district East – and elsewhere in the Mohajir areas.
Hardly a day passes without the bad news of bloody clash amanating from there.
38
On 10th Jan, a wayside shoot-out at the AP – Karam Square in central District
claimed three killed and several wounded – all unwary commuters. The next day
– Sunday 11 Jan, saw a macabre reply claiming another three killed and an equal
number wounded at the Korangi Sunday Bazar.”
He further said “The tit-for-tat clashes are assuming almost the dimension of
tribal blood feud and vendettas. (The Nation 16 -1-98).
On 17thJan Mohajir Qaumi Movement claimed that Muthaidda’s so called
missing activists were staying in various countriesunder fake names and that
name of these activists will be released to the press.
It also said “disappearance of the Muthaidda’s 28 activists is nothing but a mere
drama.” (Frontier Post Peshawar 18-1-98).
On 1st Feb, 2 MQM (H) men were shot dead in Karachiand Muthaidda denied
the charges of involvement as usual. (The News, Rawalpindi 2-2-98).
On 7th Feb, Both factions of MQM exchanged fire foralmost an hour in which
one person was killed. (Nawa-I-Waqt,Rawalpindi 8-1-98).
On 8th, August Dr Saghir Anasari MQM’s MPA narrowlyescaped when fire
opened by Haqiqi terrorists but one of MQM worker Mohammed Salim
sustained bullet injuries. (The Muslim, Islamabad 9-8-98)
On 13th August two MQM (Haqiqi) men were gunned down in Shah Fiasal
Colony of district-East in Karachi, Syed Hodi AbbasRizvi alias Ansar Rizvi and
his neighbor Syed Athar Ali Zaidi. (The Nation, Islamabad 14-8-98).
On 14 August The Peshawar Police arrested an Afghanrefugee from Karachi –
bound Khushal Express train at Cantonment Railway station and recovered
cache of sophisticated arms from his possession that he was taking to deliver to
one of the MQM factions in Karachi Police recoveredtwo heavy boxes from the
possession of the accused and during search found them full of sophisticated
weapons and ammunition including 10 kalashnikovs, five 30 – bore pistols, nine
hand grenades, nine buses along with 10 detonators,spare magazines and 2,500
rounds of 7.62 caliber and 30 bore. (The News Rawalpindi, 15-8- 98).
On 15th August on Muhttida’s call for strike 35 shapes, 50 vehicles put on fire,
and seven persons including a policeman killed and nine injured. (The Nation,
Islamabad 16-8-98).
MQM quits Sindh coalition (The News, Rawalpindi 27-8-98).
39
On August 27th MQM infighting claims more lives. Over 60 activists arrested.
(The Muslim, Islamabad 28-8-98).
On 17th Oct renowned scholar and social worker ex-governor Sindh Hakim
Mohd Saeed assassinated by MQM’s terrorists
40
Mohajir Qaumi Movement Fact Sheet
By Manzoor Ahmed Manzoor
Government of Pakistan Documents
And for a fuller picture, it becomes necessary thatthe reader goes through at
least some of the matter about the MQM, which happens to be available on the
internet presently. And this matter, as claimed in it, had been prepared by some
agency/department of the Government of Pakistan, which makes it even more
significant in the present circumstances. Thereforeafter ‘The Press Reports’
above, you will read below ‘Government of Pakistan Documents (August 1999)
This article contains on two sections:
1. FACT SHEET ON MQM
2. ARRESTS & ARMS RECOVERY FROM MQM WORKERS DURING
DECEMBER 1998 TO FEBRUARY 1999
It is pertinent to note that there is no material relating tom Musharraf era on this
site. It is as if the agency/department of the Government of Pakistan, which
prepared the above documents about the MQM, were ordered to stop their work
by Musharraf.
FACT SHEET ON MQM
There is a Gujarati saying that when one falls out of favor with luck, one may
ride on a camel and be still bitten by a dog. The Mohajir Qaumi Movement faces
a similar situation. It can change as many faces asit likes: from All Pakistan
Mohajir Students Organization to MQM, from Haq Parast (worshippers of truth)
to Mohajir Rights Front, from Mohajir Tiger Force to MQM international wing,
from Muthidda Qaumi Movement to Rabita Committee; but it cannot help its
luck. It is what it is – a destructive instrument in the hands of Altaf Hussain.
So it is a duty of the government to tell the people what MQM stands for,
whether it is a political group or a gang of terrorists, who are these deserting rats,
what do they want, how do they treat places like Kashmir, Pakistan and Karachi,
why do they kill, why do they promise to send dead bodies, who do they serve
41
by heightening linguistic feelings, why do they hittransformers and leave people
to roast in heat, why do they burn transport, why do they target personnel of law
enforcing agencies, why do they torture common people, why do they pump
bullets into public servants, why have their bullets torn away life from SHOs
Bahadur Ali and Imdad Khatian, DSP Bashir Ahmed Noorani (from Sukkur),
five relatives of DSP Nisar Khwaja, DSP Tanoli, SDMMohammad Nawaz
Khushk, Journalist Mohammad Salahuddin, Azim Ahmad Tariq, Zohair Akram
Nadeem Pir Pagaro’s son-in-law, Salim Malik, KESC Chairman Malik Shahid
Hamid??? And how finally a renowned scholar, Chairman Hamdard Foundation
and Ex-governor Sindh Hakim Mohammad Saeed?
The government of the federation is under obligation to explain also to the
people who robbed their laughter, who turned the cosmopolitan of Karachi city,
its citizens, its hospitals, parks, roads and avenues, its storage houses, police
stations and assembly houses into exclusive property; who tempted the citizens
to sell off all means of recreation and buy guards with the money; who were the
people who never started a single development project in Karachi but did every
thing to destroy the KMC by controlling it during 1987-92 and the provincial
government by controlling it during 1990-92?
Government is also called upon to explain the lack of round of MQM, and the
role different personalities played in its origin, what factors were responsible for
the creation of a client class of industrialists and business men which paid
protection money, and was physically forced to pay it in the event of a refusal.
Then there is a need to explain why this party (MQM) tends to dishonour the
modesty of the womenfolk on popular level, what conspiracy led to the slaughter
of Pathans although the bus that crushed Bushra Zaidi to death was not driven
by a Pathan and how one after the other – from Nahid Butt to Shazia to Farzana
Sultan to Rais Fatima to Semi Zarrin etc etc. – thewomen have in succession been
disgraced in what look like nothing but petty political gimmicks? Why the MQM
works against everything that pertains to Pakistan,the two-nation theory, its
geographical and constitutional unity, the democracy and the peoples will? Why
they collaborate with people like the late G.M. Sayed to up apart the multi-ethnic
and cosmopolitan fabric of Karachi first and the whole nation of late.
The people would also like the government to explore the historical fact as to
why an anti-democracy force and its adherents abhorthe men of letters? The
men who have undertaken to defend their country with their blood, the
Pakistani Army.
But all this will require a review of the thoughts propagated by Hitler 65 years
ago and of resemblance’s Altaf Hussain has with that Nazi leader.
42
TERRORISM IN KARACHI ON HITLER’S FOOTSTEPS
Just as the world knows all about the nuclear holocaust which destroyed
Hiroshima and Nagasaki, so does it know about Hitler’s cruelty which left an
entire nation paralyzed and divided. So when government says that the Karachi
problem is the problem of the whole country, and that we are fighting the battle
for Pakistan in Karachi, they seek to explain the simple logic that the wiles of
Fascist Hitler brought destruction not only on the German nation, but resulted in
the killing of 55 million people all over the world. Just as MQM has wrought
havoc on not only the people of Karachi but the nation at large.
Now we would take the opportunity to see it is really in bad taste to compare
Altaf Hussain with Hitler, as some self-preferred terrorists feel. This would
depend on the extent to which Altaf Hussain has followed the fascist
declarations canonized by Hitler while founding hisparty.
Hitler’s autobiography, “Mein Kampf” was translatedin Urdu by Maulvi
Ibrahim Ali Chishti and printed by Lahore’s Lion Press in two volumes (1950
and 1955). In his foreword, the Maulvi stated threedistinguishing features of the
system which Hitler evolved: use of terrorism to achieve ones’ aims, preference
of racism over nationalism as the basic political creed, and use of people’s power
to gain political ascendancy and then discard them.Hitler-power was achieved
when they announced the Nazi party’s manifesto at apublic meeting in 1920.
The main features of this manifesto which are givenin the following, reflect on
his personality and bent of mind more vividly than any other historical
document. These are:
1. Nation’s destinies are charted by the minority, not the majority.
2. Intellectuals are misguided individuals, suffering from scientific indigestion.
3. Democracy brings anarchy and chaos.
4. Our creed is true, and only this creed is true.
5. Destruction fuelled by violent demagoguery isnecessary.
6. The leader requires disciples who oppress others while pretending to protect
them from oppression.
7. Illiterates and naïve youngsters are more suitable for the movement.
43
8. The disciple should be trained to act, not ask questions.
9. We are not the slaves of public opinion, but its leaders.
10. Newspapers should not be allowed to ride popular will.
11. Reject everything that the opponents utter.
12. Minimum writing, maximum speaking.
13. Street trouble is the lifeblood of the movement.
14. Public demonstrations should not be peaceful.
15. Deserters should face death.
16. Kill big traitors before small ones.
17. Divide and rule.
18. A constitution cannot correct political weaknesses.
19. Use force in preaching.
20. 80 million Germans ought to grow to 250 million in 100 years.
21. 12,000 traitors should be put to sword.
We invite everyone here to go over these points andtake out those, which
haven’t been used by Altaf Hussain and his party intheir operations at one time
or another. Go briefly over the points once again. The negatives for a terrorist
include democracy, knowledge, learning, newspapers,children, public debate,
and peaceful activity. The positives are illiteracy, blind following, the infallible
saint, lawlessness, street trouble, minority decisions, rejection of the opposition,
and increase in population.
The conspiracy to spread terrorism in Karachi is a pure Hitlerian strategy which
consists in occupying whatever belongs to the people, and then repeatedly dispel
the impression that such an occupation has taken place; keep repeating that we
are on the side of justice, and that the rest of the world consists of liars; and that
so-and-so is opposed to our ideas because he is theenemy of our people. MQM
ostensibly seeks to be a civil rights movement, butit conveniently ignores that a
civil rights movement needs be civil first.
44
Review the performance of Karachi Municipal Corporation when MQM was in
power, especially in the light of this strategy to have an inkling of what is this all
about. For five years during 1987-92, MQM wielded total control over the billions
of rupees of corporations’ funds. But what was the result? Nothing but more
destruction. And it couldn’t be otherwise, because if people’s problems have
been solved, who will come to listen to fire-spitting orator dilating on then put
theme of deprivation and helplessness.
The largest agency of urban development put at their disposal for five long years,
and all we got in return was the same chain of accusations, complaints of
repression, of powerlessness, of being cheated; appeals to the people to rise in
revolt, listen to no one but the MQM as these Chaudhrys, Waderas and Sardars
were out to fleece every penny … Appealing to the Army for Justice while
attacking the same institution …
While the civic problems went from bad to worse the“nation” was being fed on
slogans like “death to Quaid’s traitors”, “homelandor coffin”, “freedom or
death”. And just as the civic authority dissolved into a party fief meant for fund
raising and ceremonial purposes, the specter of theleader rose as a symbol of
Pirdom, sacrosanct and therefore infallible, at thesame time attacking every
national institution, every sense of hope creaking at the hinges from internal
tension, the party split into two in June 1992, onegroup identified as MQM
Haqiqi and the other called MQM/Haqprast and now Muthidda. Later a third
group emerged under the leadership of the former party chairman, Azim Ahmed
Tariq, and a former member of the party’s central cabinet, S.M. Tariq. Muthidda
activists subsequently assassinated both these leaders and their murder blamed
on official agencies.
The first to fall was Azim Ahmed Tariq who was eliminated by the terrorists of
Altaf who directly received order from their masterthrough phone calls. But
Muthidda ostensibly mourned his death and held various official agencies as
responsible for it. But confusion subsided when theformer chief minister of
Sindh, Muzaffar Hussain Shah, declared on the floorof Sindh Assembly, Azim
Tariq was killed by Hashamuz Zafar and Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui both activists
of Muthidda.
S.M. Tariq’s murder came in the immediate aftermathof the arrest of Hashamuz
Zafar by the law enforcing agencies. He was a closeaide of Azim Tariq, and a
potential witness in his murder case. Muthidda again held the agencies
responsible for the murder, and mourned his death amidst touching statements.
During 1992-98 almost 450 central leaders and supporter of MQM (H) were
killed and eliminated by the terrorists of Altaf Hussain including Mansoor
45
Ahmed Khan (Deputy General Secretary of MQM (H), Sardar Ahmed (Finance
Secretary of MQM (H), Rehan Umar Farooqi (Ex MemberNational Assembly)
and many others.
The target killing; process of elimination of political rivals is still going on by the
terrorists of MQM. This again reminds one of a Penguin books publication titled
“Hitler’s Englishman” written by Francis Selwyn .Hewrites in his book that “just
as the Mongols and the Asiatic pirates considered raping women as morality,
robbing as the part of civilization and manslaughter as a favorite pastime, so did
Hitler” and now we say so did Altaf Hussain as he is a true disciple of Hitler –
the cruelest manifestation of evil in this century.
But no one can hide facts and that what is the realnature of these barefooted
gun-totting terrorists? What ingredients are they made up of? What soil went
into the making of such a beastly spate of fascism,which has eclipsed Karachi’s
sun in the wink of an eye?
Everyone knows that Altaf Hussain has shown himselfto be an extremely
impulsive man who can alter a “principled” stand sooner than one can say Jack
Robinson, and often for no obvious reason, unless one takes into account his well
known tendency for terrorism as a tool of politicalblackmail. A look at the
composition of his dialogue team over the last manyyears demonstrates this fact.
Just because many of the members of this team couldnot contrive excuses for
terrorism on the dialogue table, they were frequently discarded in favour of
others. And saw the replacement of M.A. Jalil with Dr Farooq Sattar, followed by
Senator Ashtiaq Azhar and more recently Ajmal Dehlavi and company. The
same goes for MQM’s assembly members, who are changed every time the
elections are held so that they wouldn’t take rootsamong the masses and carve
out an exclusive niche for their own leadership.
ANTI-STATE ACTIVITES OF MQM
MQM killed thousands of innocent persons including government functionaries.
Its first major situational action against political rivals comes in Pakistan Steel
Mills in 1990 when a number of men kidnapped from there. These men were
taken to torture cells in Landhi and Korangi. Sincethen, torture and murder of
army officers, navy functionaries and a whole rangeof other professional and
non-professional men and women has become a routine. Hundreds and
thousands of innocent citizens were eliminated by the terrorists of MQM in
Karachi. Among them are eminent citizens, politicians and law-enforcing
personal, high government officials, writers like Salahuddin and finally the
former Governor of Sindh, internationally renowned scholar and social worker
Hakim Saeed.
46
The method is simple. Terrorists choose a government servant and mark his
residence. They watch his movements and his routines. Then, when orders are
issued to “resurrect the movement and do his case”,the man is whisked away
from a convenient spot. The kidnapped is invariablytortured, then killed and his
body stuffed in a gunny bag to be dumped on a street in the quiet of the night.
The movement of Haqparasti (truth worship) is thus kept alive. In 1995 alone,
120 public functionaries were killed in this mannerby MQM terrorists.
The question is, if MQM has not been engaged in killing government officials,
policemen and members of other ethno-linguistic groups, what has it been doing
all these years? A group which is armed to teeth and given to a foreign induced
philosophy of separatism cannot do much else. The whole country knows that it
started the gory tradition of killing innocent, unarmed civilians in a bid to cause
a wedge in the nation.
The people of Pakistan want MQM to renounce its anti-state operations, but it is
understandably a hard thing for the group to do. Its personality and holding
power depend on men like Farooq Dada, Asif Zaidi, Ali Mota and the like.
Regrettably these men can in one lifetime kill 60 to 65 government officials for
the sake of Mutahida glory, but they cannot turn itinto a formation fit for human
politics.
The whole world knows that Altaf during a telephonic address instigated his
audience to chant the slogan “aadha tumhara aadha hamara” (half & Sindh for
you, half for us) and this slogan obviously remindsus about another slogan
which was raised some quarter century ago” Udher Tum Idher Hum” and the
horrible consequences it bought in a form of Dahka Fall. At the end of the
meeting a prayer was held which said, “makes us thesons of our soil, O Lord,”
then there is Rana Safder Ali Khan’s threat in the Sindh Assembly, “we will
demand the deployment of UN troops in Sindh”, or Ajmal Dehlavi’s threat,
“give us our rights otherwise India, or some other country may intervene.” One
also has not forgotten the “break Pakistan” slogan raised by mourners during a
funeral procession in February 1994.
MQM’s strategy to effect a division of Sindh is reflected in its efforts to point all
the parties active in Sindh politics as Sindh parties with support base in rural
Sindh only, and itself as the sole spokesman of urban Sindh is aimed at boosting
its claim for a greater share of power on the one hand, and playing up the non-representation of this population on the other. Coming to Sindh’s Mohajir
population, it used to be estimated by MQM at around a few million in 1986. In
1990, Azim Tariq put it at 10 million. In a petition filed by MQM in the Supreme
Court in Jan 1995 – it was mentioned as 15 million.Seven months later in
47
September 95 they said it had become 22 million, growing at a preposterous rate
of one million heads every month.
MQM understands one thing. There is no urban – rural dichotomy when it
comes to rights, and there are no set formulae – Rights are where the need is.
Had it been for geographical area, Tharparker and Dadu would be getting the
most funds in Sindh and Baluchistan would be claiming a lion’s share in the
federal pool. Had the criterion been the populationPunjab would today be far
more developed than Karachi. In Sindh, Karachi withits 10 million population
would be receiving much less compared to rural Sindh where a greater majority
of people lives. But this is not the case.
In Karachi 10% of the people of Pakistan have 70% of its wealth. Total population
of Pakistan is 130 million and the; population of Karachi which is even less than
10% of total population have 70% of country’s wealth, and yet Altaf Hussain
claims that they are being discriminated against. The truth is that Altaf wants all
this wealth for himself. He publicly ordered Mohajirs not to pay taxes as these
taxes are used to develop poorer areas of Pakistan.And then he; professes to be
the protector of the federation. Altaf knows this and wants to separate so that he
has it all to himself.
In spite of the fact that Karachi remains the most prosperous city of Pakistan,
offering unequaled facilities of urban livelihood, the best industrial infrastructure
and the highest rate of employment, a major share of Sindh’s development funds
continues to go into the city because its growing size makes the upgradation of
its infrastructure imperative. Rs 121 billion have been earmarked as the Karachi
package for various schemes in this regard. This ismuch more than what is
getting in to rural areas. …
INDIAN CONNECTION OF MQM
The government has repeatedly called upon Muthidda to close its training camps
in India and call back Javed Langhra and others to the country. Altaf and his
party responded that leveling such an allegation against a party was not only a
crime, it violates of the security of the country.
According to Altaf and his Muthidda there are no training camps in India but
Javed Langrha lives there because it is a democratic country. It also says that
thousands of other workers went abroad to escape persecution. It does not say
how many, but if we take it at 20,000 who paid for their fare? They must have
spent well over a billion rupees.
48
But here money is not the issue (Altaf’s Muthidda was a multi billion-rupee
organisation, having robbed with total impunity therichest city of Pakistan for
more than a decade. The issue is, did thousands really leave the country in 1992?
All we have heard so far is a few names: Altaf Hussain, his 12 body guards,
Salim Shahzad, Anwar Khan, Javed Langrha, Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Ishratul
Ebad and about hundred others. There may be hundredmore phony asylum
seekers in the west, using MQM’s cover. To say thatthey are in thousands is to
say that there are 22 million Mohajirs in Sindh. Itis Master Goebbles at his dirty
work again.
The government has repeatedly referred to training camps in India on the basis
of two known factors. Firstly, the types of weapons– Klashnikovs, rocket
launchers and hand grenades that are used by MQM terrorists are in use in three
zones of this region; Tamil Nadu, Karachi and Afghanistan. All the three zones
are divided between different gangsters and warlords, who are spilling blood to
strengthen the respective bargaining positions. Secondly, enough circumstantial
evidence exists to suggest that MQM is doing India an overt favour by harming
the cause of Pakistan on every possible platform.
Since 1990, every year Karachi has religiously plunged into an orgy of death and
violence at or about February 5, the day that the government of Pakistan
observes as the annual black day for Kashmir. MQM’speak violent action has
also coincided with other Kashmir related issues, such as the official Pakistani
protest over the burning of Charar Sharif or duringthe earlier hold out at Dargah
Hazrat Bal. Towing this policy, MQM has brought theissue of Karachi at par
with that of Kashmir in the international media. Although the issue of Kashmir
involves a deeper sense of loss, strongly rooted inthe valley’s historical
consciousness, tying it up with a predominantly criminalised Karachi has
nevertheless been a victory of sorts for India.
Moreover, Javed Langhra’s access to the personal company of Indian minister of
interior and other high-ranking officials is a matter of concern for the
government of Pakistan. Not very long ago, the former Indian Prime Minster,
V.P. Singh, had stated that India could not keep quiet over the situation in
Karachi any longer. Altaf Hussain’s appeals to Indian Muslims to hold protest
rallies against Pakistan are also fresh in our memory. Then there is the incident of
(UNHRC) Geneva Conference in which MQM’s New York based leader Anwar
Khan, delivered a speech and took sides, with the Indian delegation against
Pakistan. Altaf Hussain himself ridiculed the two-nation theory and spoke
derisively about Pakistan Army in an interview withthe Indian fortnightly
magazine, India Today.
49
He has frequently been clamoring to the world opinion leaders to forget about
Bosnia and Kashmir, and to watch Karachi instead. In the background of all
these facts, the extra coverage which MQM gets at the Indian radio and TV
media is a further source of concern to the Pakistani government. Apart from
enlisting India’s support, Altaf has repeatedly sold Karachi to the west as
another Hong Kong – all that needs be done is repeat of history when the Hong
Kong was taken away by the British.
Muthidda’s coordination committee is ever willing to shoot arrows in the dark,
but it cannot be expected to offer comments on ground realities. Nor does it have
the courage to convince Altaf Hussain that there isonly one way out of this
situation: end of terrorism and an inclination towards Islamabad rather the new
Delhi.
ltaf Hussain was also asked by the government to condemn Indian excesses
against Kashmiris, desist from portraying Karachi (which is a part of Pakistan) at
par with Kashmir in international circles and stop its activities in Karachi and
abroad which are aimed at diverting the world’s attention from Kashmir.
Altaf Hussain established its Indian connection probably a little before 1990.
According to some observers, previously this connection worked through the
mediation of G.M. Syed’s workers. But direct contacts were established once
Altaf (because of criminal charges, which he refuses, to face) departed from
Pakistan and took permanent abode in London.
A little before the army operation of June 92 JavedLargrha and his comrades
slipped into India and, in connivance with the Indian authorities, started training
camps for subversive activities inside Pakistan. Some Muthidda activists who
were later arrested – among them Naahid Butt’s phony brother, Khalid Taqqi –
have narrated before the Islamabad press their tourto India in the company of
Langrha.
The government of Pakistan has a real cause of concern here. Langrah is a
fugitive from the law. His stay in India makes him susceptible to Indian pressure
to work against Pakistan. India competes with Pakistan in the international
market for textile, leather goods, rice, cotton andother commodities. Obviously
the Indians will not get on Pakistani ships to destroy their consignment.
They will rather avail the services of Pakistan’s gun totting “political” activists to
cripple its economy. It is not surprising, therefore, that Altaf Hussain continues
to dish out strike calls in protest over the arrestor killing of criminals who have
each killed anything from 20 to 50 persons in a brief career of between two to
four years. The economic fallout of these strikes inevitably goes to favour India.
50
The first time Altaf’s Muthidda stayed away from the government’s annual,
February 5 Kashmir Day protest was in 1990. The Kashmiri intifada was a year
old then, and the Indian government was already feeling the heat. Relief came
from Muthidda on February 6 and 7, when unprecedented violence started in
Karachi and continued for several days. Since then the 5th of February has
occurred many times, but not a single occasion has seen Altaf’s Muthidda joining
the anti-India protest over human rights violationsin Kashmir. If anything, it has
punished the protesters on each occasion by resorting to terrorist attacks in
Karachi and Hhyderabad. For example in such an attack in Liaquatabad were
killed 10 camp followers of Harkat-ul-Ansaar, a Kashmiri organization. A pro-Altaf morning newspaper and another sympathetic eveninger put headlines that
read, “5 die in Kashmir, 10 in Karachi”.
Such comparisons are the core of Altaf Hussain’s present propaganda technique,
and the newspapers that are promoting this propaganda have been eliciting
Altaf’s Muthidda armed support against two rival newspapers of Karachi.
During the 47th UN Conference which was held at Geneva MQM circulated to
the delegates two specially prepared booklets; a 91-page book titled “Pakistan:
where the State Kills”, and the 64-page “Pakistan” A Terrorist State”. The
concluding lines of the first booklet read,” there is no doubt whatsoever that
Mohajirs in Pakistan are subject to the same atrocities as the people in Bosnia,
Kashmir and Rwanda”. The second booklet uses excerpts from domestic and
foreign material to prove that Pakistan is involvedin lawlessness in Kashmir on
the one hand, and serves as a base for Islamic terrorists on the other.
During this conference, MQM Anwar Khan interrupted the speech of Pakistani
delegate with disgust, which not even enemies’ display at such civilized forum.
During 1996 and 1997 the terrorist of MQM somehow again managed to enter in
the Palle, the UN headquarter in Geneva, Switzerland and distributed various
booklets and pamphlets, against Pakistan. Although during this period, the
political wing was part of the Sindh Government. During March 1998 the same
people of Muthidda namely Anwar, Arif Ajakiya with the support, help and
connivance of anti Pakistan NGOs and Indian organizations not only distributed
books, but confronted with Pakistani official delegation, Mr. Nehal Hashmi and
other peace loving NGOs, who were supporting a peaceful and just cause.
Since early 90, the International headquarter of MQM based in London is
attending various international conferences to cover-up their unlawful terrorist
activities and acts nationally and internationally.
51
During early 90s, many foreign national including US embassy officials were
killed in Karachi by the terrorists of Altaf Hussain. This leads to create
uncertainty and to pass message internationally that Karachi is not a safe and
secured city for any foreign national investors.
ANTI MEDIA ACTIVITIES OF MQM
Altaf and his MQM were asked by the government to renounce its policy of press
censorship, and publicly declare that it will not use threats and direct or indirect
pressure to influence the print media.
Altaf’s MQM is perhaps the first “political “ partyin the world which clamped
an across the board censorship on newspapers and kept breathing down the
editor neck for more than four years. Hitler had said, “Newspapers should not
be allowed to ride popular will”. Altaf and MQM followed this dictum to a tee.
The code of censorship, which MQM designed under the able guidance of Altaf
Hussain for the newspapers of Karachi, was impeccably complete. “Important”
news items and photographs, their size, length and their exact placement on
specified pages (mostly front page) was dictated tothe city’s newsrooms from
Nine Zero. Anything, which Altaf did not want published, could not see the light
of the day.
MQM’s terrorism against the press took its early shape in 1985. By 1987 it had
gradually made its presence felt in the newsrooms. Any departure from Nine –
Zero’s guidelines brought down the Pir’s wrath on the reporter, the sub-editor,
the editor, the publisher, the owner – anyone in any way connected with the
production of that particular section of the newspaper. Inadvertent violations
sent shivers through the entire newspaper establishment.
Daily Jang, being the largest circulated newspaper of the country, tried to break
the shackles in earlier days of the Pir (Altaf Hussain) and he threatened that
paper “one paper is becoming a party against “Mohajirs”, it should take warning
(daily Amn April 6, 1987). The Pir’s disciples ultimately in Hyderabad lit up
30,000 copies of the paper on June 21, 1987. Thousands of copies more were burnt
in Karachi. On June 24, Jang columnist, Nizam Siddiqui, wrote, “Altaf Hussain
demands that Jang should; publish his statements and photographs in places
proposed by him, and that his opponents views should not be brought into print.
No political party or leader has made such a demandin 47 years.”
Altaf’s reactions have always been aggressive and devoid of any regard for ethics.
Ask about who persecuted Maulana Salahuddin, editorweekly Takbir, burnt his
house, burnt Takbir copies, tried to prevent Takbir’s publication from Karachi,
52
and when the Maulana refused to budge, killed him? And every one will say
MQM.
An evening newspaper brought out a supplement on the assassination of some
opponent of MQM, in which it called him a “Shaheed”. The paper had to
suspend its publication for several days, and the editor attended hearings at
Nine-zero day in and day out. He was finally given the license to live, but on a
price. Until today, this evening newspaper is acting as an official spokesman of
MQM.
On November 14, 1988, Altaf served another warning to daily Jang. “If Jang does
not change its attitude by 16 November, we will putan end to lit forever” (daily
Savera, Karachi).
On March 8, 1989, Jang failed to cover May or Dr Farooq Sattar’s wedding to the
satisfaction of Altaf Hussain. He said, “this has been a source of grief, to us. We
will observe a token boycott of Jang on March 10″. Azim Tariq said, “we appeal
to hawkers not to lift Jang on March 10th. And we are telling them in advance”
(daily Amn, March 8, 1989).
On the orders of Altaf Hussain and Azim Tariq (the same Azim Tariq who was
lately killed on the directives of Altaf Hussain), MQM workers in Hyderabad
burnt hundreds of thousands of copies of dailies Jang, Dawn, The News, Jasarat,
Star, monthly Herald and weekly Takbir between March 10 and March 20, 1991.
Journalists in Islamabad boycotted the parliament in protest over these incidents.
Weekly Takbir’s offices were ransacked and set on fire on March 22, 1991. The
FIR lodged with he Arambagh police station said, “this incident is part of Altaf
Hussain and Azim Tariq’s campaign to terrorize Takbir and its editor”. In the
Liaquatabad public meeting, Azim Tariq reiterated Altaf Hussain’s directives
that “Takbir” would not be allowed to circulate anywhere in Karachi (weekly
Takbir, April 4, 1991).
Talking to the journalists in hospital (Abbasi Shaheed) on March 10 Altaf
Hussain said, “Dawn is hatching conspiracies against MQM. Herald spits poison
against us. Takbir is an agent publication of the Jews. People reserve the right to
make newspapers accountable. If the accountability begins, you shouldn’t start
your press freedom lamentations.”
Sarwat editor of Takbir, was harassed and threatened by hooligans at her
residence on March 13. The following day, newspaperhawkers and agents were
deprived of their copies and beaten up in several parts of the city. On March15,
Azim Tariq said, “Herald and Takbir will not sell in this city now. This is the
53
people’s decision” (daily Amn). Altaf Hussain seconded this on March 16: “from
today onwards, people will not read Takbir and Herald, which comes out of the
Dawn building. This is our right”. He further said,“any newspaper that does not
give us proper coverage, will not run.” (Daily Qaumi Akhbar). BBC’s reporter in
Karachi Zafar Abbas, was attacked on March 19.
Journalists held a protest meeting at Karachi PressClub and decided to boycott
MQM’s programs. On March 20, Altaf Hussain announced his boycott of Dawn,
Herald, Star and Takbir.
Altaf Hussain and his MQM cannot bear criticism anddifference of opinion and
that’s why each and every paper if writes even a single word against Altaf or
MQM gets punishment. Amount of punishment depends upon the nature of
crime. And these punishments can vary from the burning of newspaper copies to
the murder of editors. But the irony of situation is that besides doing these
heinous, crimes against media and media MQM cries hoarse for its own freedom
of expression.
ECNOMICAL DAMAGE IN FORM OF MQM’S FORCED
STRIKES
It is not easy to quantify the damage done by terrorism, blood looting, firing,
arson, and riots, strikers and torture spread over these ten, twelve years. The cost
paid by Karachiites in terms of deaths, damage to property, anxiety, extortion
and hunger is far greater then the cozy Pirji of London can imagine.
In these years more than 5000 persons fell to terrorist bullets in Karachi and
Hyderabad, while more than 1000 others were wounded. Property set on fire on
otherwise destroyed included 475 vehicles, 20 banks, 102 houses, 95 shops, two
telephone exchanges, 20 offices of different political parties, 12 petrol pumps, 2
factories, one office each of Wapda and social security, two post offices and 4
police stations.
The successive years saw the terrorists upgrade their weaponry from simple
revolvers to Klashnikov assault rifles and rocket launchers. Terrorists used their
war machine to strike at the national interests of Pakistan on the one hand, and
use cellular telephone and pager facilities to organize raids against government
officials and political rivals on the other. 360 policemen were killed during these
years.
MQM insists that its strikes are peaceful. But the facts speak other wise, In a total
38 strike calls spread over these years, MQM prevented Rs 30 billion worth of
business transactions from taking place. Hundreds of thousands of people had to
54
do without postal and other communication facilities. Given these facts, it is a
wonder how “educated men” like Ishtiaq Azhar and DrFarooq Sattar can insist
that strikes do no harm Karachiites.
BHATTA (A FORCED TAX)
Since 1988 the terrorist of Altaf Hussain introduced a new method to collect tax
from the common, ordinary citizen which called Tanzimee Chanda, later on the
method of collection was divided in various forms, one is monthly tax from each
and every shop and house. Another forced tax called“Saman Kiya Tayyar Hai”
which used for the purchasing of arms and ammunition to protect themselves,
later on almost every shopkeeper, industrialists, businessmen and investors was
compelled by the terrorist of Altaf and his Muthidda either to pay the weekly tax
or shut down and closed their business and commercial activities. If someone
refuses to pay either he eliminated physically or his business forced to close by
the terrorists.
Resultantly hundred’s of businessmen shifted their business from Karachi to
other part of Pakistan. According to a report pudlished in a news daily “MQM’s
monthly income, which it earned through Bhattaism before the imposition of the
Governor Rule in Sindh, was Rs. 600 million. Never a single penny was spent on
the economic and social betterment of Karachi people. In fact this money was use
to arm the youths of Karachi with weapons rather than education, the business
and trade in Karachi almost rewind due to this forced tax and robbery.
UNWRAPPING THE RAPE DRAMAS
MQM was asked to give up the policy of using women to incite violence. MQM
denies this, of course, but evidence exists to showthat cases of gang rape were
cooked up either to help it steer through a tight sot, or put the government on the
defensive.
MQM origins are tied with the famous name of BushraZaidi, a Sir Syed College
girl who made Altaf Hussain’s career by dying in a road accident in 1985. Since
then, a woman has always figured in the evolving strategy of Altaf Hussain to
build an empire on terrorism. Nahid Butt, Shazia, Seema Zarrin and others. All
these women were portrayed as victims of sexual assault. Not one of them ever
comes to fit the merits of the case.
Take Shazia for example, the sister of India based Javed Langrha. She had a tiff
with the family, and went to her grandmother’s house without telling anyone.
She stayed there for two days. MQM was quick to react. Shooting in the dark,
they cooked up a story that the personnel of Rangers had carried her away.
55
Hearing the scandal, Shazia returned home and told the truth. Milk was
separated from water.
CASE OF NAHID BUTT
Nahid Butt’s name figured at a time when hostilities in Kashmir had temporarily
heightened. She was used to put across the message that Butt (a Kashmiri tribe)
women were as exposed to rape in Karachi as in Kashmir. Khalid, MQM activist
who was claimed to be Nahid’s brother, turned out to be her lover. Khalid alias
Taqqi alias Mamoo was a resident of Lines Area.
Presently he is charged with 10 cases of murder andis in official custody. MQM
attempted to portray him as a Kashmiri sympathizer of the party who resided in
New Karachi. An army officer was accused of raping Nahid. The army plunged
into action and investigated the case. As it turnedout, Nahid was not a Butt, but
was painted as such for political reasons. Moreover, Khalid was not her brother,
but one of her lovers. She was found carrying contraceptives on her, and
admitted that she entertained MQM boys off and on.
FARZANA SULTAN “RAPE” CASE
A case in point is that of Farzana Sultan, the young sister of MQM activist,
Shahid Feroz. Although the poor girl was subjected to this unwarranted
ignominy for the sake of a lie, 30 people died as Altaf Hussain called a strike in
reaction.
On its part MQM sensationalized the drama by inviting suitors for the `raped`
girl. For several days, the local press carried Nine-Zero’s press releases counting
the names of the suitors who had volunteered to take in the daughter of the
nation. It also gave a call for protest strike, in which 30 persons died in the name
of Farzana Sultan. Altaf Hussain’s ego further inflated by an inch.
MQM has time and again used women folk to incite violence and disturbances in
the city. A case in point is that of Farzana Sultan, the younger sister of MQM’s
activist Shahid Feroze. It was alleged by MQM that on June 20, 1995, a fifty (50)
years old PPP Councilor Naeem Qureshi along with seven (07) others, including
his alleged son Bhoora had subjected Farzana Sultanto gang rape.
On the evening of June 22, 1995, some MQM’s leader arrived at Karachi Press
Club at 09.00 p.m. along with Mr. Shoaib Bukhari, MPA and Deputy Leader of
the Opposition in Sindh Assembly, to address Press Conference. The Press
Conference was video taped and also transmitted through mobile phone to
56
London for the consumption of Mr. Altaf Hussain. Inthe Press Conference the
above allegation of gang rape were repeated.
On the same day, Mr. Shoaib Bukhari lodged a FIR with area Police Station,
wherein the allegations of gang rape were repeated.However, the name of PPP
Councilor was conspicuously not included by Mr. Shoaib Bukhari. It is worth
mentioning that Mr. Naeem Qureshi the PPP Councilordid not have any son by
the name of Bhoora.
Mr. Altaf Hussain and other leaders of MQM sensationalized the alleged
incident and called for strike in protest in the city. Colossal damage was caused
to public and private properties and about 30 innocent people were killed by
MQM wherein 94 police and private vehicles were seton fire. The hooligans of
Altaf Hussain for couple of days disturbed the city. In the process the poor girl
Farzana Sultan was subjected to all kind of adversepublicity.
The Government, immediately taking cognizance, of the allegation leveled by
MQM, ordered the medical examination of the girl, which was carried out and
the report was immediately made public. Mr. Altaf Hussain and other leaders of
MQM disputed the findings contained in the medical report “that no marks of
violence were found on the person of the alleged victim nor there was any
medical evidence of the alleged gang rape or rape.”The Government
immediately offered that the doctors of the choice of the parents of Farzana
Sultan and MQM from Pakistan or abroad might be examined the alleged victim.
REPORT OF AGHA KHAN UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
On June 26, 1995, Agha Khan University Hospital Department of
Obstetrics/Gynecology Faculty, including Professor and Assistant Professor
examined the alleged victim of gang rape Miss Farzana Sultan. The report of
Agha Khan University Hospital concluded, “the clinical findings in this case
suggest minor injury to the posterior area of the fourchetta, which is almost
healed, although still sore to the patient. The findings are consistent with the
conclusion that the patient has had sexual intercourse in the recent past”.
Subsequently, the follow-up medical report in the case of the alleged victim was
issued by the Agha Khan University Hospital on July02, 1995. In the follow-up
report it was further concluded, “besides shows inflammatory exudate with
metaplastic cells and gram negative intracellular diplococci, confirmed by
culture to be Neisseria Gonococci. The infection isconfirmed to be sensitive to
Penicillin, Erythromycin, Cefotaxim and tetracycline”.
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Based upon the above findings it was advised by theConsultant Physician that
Miss Farzana Sultan should pursue appropriate follow-up and treatment without
delay.
From the above medical findings it was quit clear that the alleged victim Farzana
Sultan was not subjected to the alleged gang rape or rape as was insinuated by
Mr. Altaf Hussain and other leaders of MQM. Be thatas it may, owing to the said
allegation of gang rape and subsequent call of strike and agitation given Mr.
Altaf Hussain from London and other leaders of MQM from Karachi resulted in
30 innocent people being killed and damage to private and public properties
besides disrupting the city life and causing trouble in the city.
THE FINDINGS OF THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF USA IN THE
CASE OF FARZANA SULTAN
The State Department of USA, recently, issued its Human Rights Report
regarding Pakistan, wherein inter-alia about this incident of alleged gang rape of
Farzana Sultan, the report contains a finding “although the MQM/A consistently
claims that its activists are innocent, unarmed victims of ethnic violence,
disinterested observers believe that cells of armedMQM/A activists are
responsible for a considerable amount of Karachi’s violence and crime. This
includes extortion of large sums of money from Mohajir businessmen as well as
others.
In an apparent attempt to inflame public opinion and destabilize the situation in
Karachi, MQM/A leader Altaf Hussain the alleged gang rape of an MQM/A
supporter (while in custody) to call for three “ days of mourning” in Karachi
June 24-26. At least 67 people died in strike-related violence during the protest.
Medical reports on the alleged victim, however, didnot substantiate the charges
of gang rape. The MQM/A enforced numerous other strike calls with violence,
resulting in the deaths of law enforcement personnel and civilian bystanders.”
It is the standard practice of Mr. Altaf Hussain and MQM to concoct and
fabricate false allegation and create an issue out of non-issue and exploit it to the
hilt through the medium of aggressive propaganda and rhetoric and then malign
the Government and give calls for so called proteststrike. Invariably in all such
cases strikes have been enforced through intimidation, resorting to
indiscriminate firing and burning of public and private transport. In the case of
Farzana Sultan, it has been established by independent findings of Agha Khan
University Hospital, which also substantiates the findings of the Government
doctor that no rape or gang rape was committed and the allegation was
concocted.
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It is well known and talks of the town that terrorists of MQM used to enter in the
houses of helpless people and commit rape with the women to terrorize the
family and to blackmail. Being of Islamic and eastern traditions most of the
families hesitate to lodge complaints against them.Because of the fear, disgrace,
and defamation in the society, the helpless women can only pray to the Almighty
for help and justice, besides looking forward towards the International
community and the lawful authorities to eliminate such type of heinous acts of
the MQM.
The so-called Naheed Butt and Farzana Sultana rape case is just a tool for
negative propaganda. At present no one knows the whereabouts of Naheed Butt
and Farzana Sultan and many others. Such cases wereonly used for negative
propaganda.
It is apprehend that there is likelihood that “the evil mind of Altaf Hussain will
create new rape dramas to save their dirty face from local, national and
international community and to cover-up their terrorist and un-human activities
from the eyes of law and peace-loving people.”
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Arrests & Arms Recovery From Mqm Workers During December
1998 To February 1999
Dec 9, 1998:Seven hardcore terrorists, including a bodyguard of Altaf Hussain
and the killers of Azim Ahmed Tariq arrested on December 09, 1998 from
different parts of Karachi. (Frontier Post).
Dec 10, 1998:As many as 10 alleged terrorists and extortionistsbelonging to both
factions of MQM rounded up with arms and ammunitionin Karachi. (Nation Dec
11, 1998).
Dec 11, 1998:Police arrested a most wanted terrorist of MQM, Saulat Mirza,
immediately after his arrival from Bangkok at Karachi airport.(Nation). Saulat
Mirza has said, Altaf Hussain has directed his workers in Belgium, S. Africa and
India to reach Karachi. (Asas).
The accused Saulat Mirza has confessed that Altaf Hussain and his political
secretary Nusrat Nadeem have been giving directivesfor carrying out disruptive
activities and killing of innocent citizens. Mirza,arrested on his arrival in Karachi
from Thailand, was suspected of involvement in the murder of two US diplomats
and four American oil company workers.
DIG Police Karachi Qureshi said that during initialinterrogation accused Saulat
Mirza confessed killing retired Major Shahnawaz Toor, who was incharge of the
American Drug Enforcement Agency in Pakistan. He stated that the accused had
also owned killing of KESC managing director ShahidHamid, SDM Nawaz
Khushk, a DSR of Rangers, several police officials,a lance naik of army, and five
relatives of SP Khawaja Nisar. DIG Qureshi said that the accused has also
admitted killing an office bearer of PPP, Nasir Guddu. He said that an
information was received that some terrorists were fleeing the country while
some were coming back.
DIG Qureshi said that on receipt of this information surveillance was mounted
on the arrival and departure lounges of the KarachiAirport. He said that Saulat
Mirza was arrested when he returned to Karachi fromBangkok. Qureshi
maintained that accused Saulat Mirza has a background of international
terrorism. Saulat Mirza, who was present at the press briefing, confessed the
criminal activities carried out by him and his accomplices. He said that Major ( R )
Shahnawaz Toor who was incharge of the American Drug Enforcement agency
in Pakistan, was eliminated because he was “prying.” Saulat Mirza said that later
he came to know that Toor’s killing was ordered by the MQM leadership to spoil
Pakistan’s relationship with America. This was alsoaimed at causing economic
60
difficulties for Pakistan so that the country couldbe harmed. On the killing of
KESC MD Shahid Hamid, he said that the deceased hadserved in the IMF and
was arranging loans for Pakistan and for this reason he was eliminated.
Saulat Mirza also spoke about his visits abroad andsaid that there are some 80 to
100 MQM boys in South Africa. He said that MQM leader Safdar Baqri went to
South Africa from the US and said that he had instructions that work is to be
done for the party. Baqri stated that some boys would have to go to get
commando training there for carrying out disruptiveactivities Karachi, Saulat
added. He said that many of the boys went to India and some are still there and
getting training in terrorist activities. He disclosed that India was using Altaf
Hussain and the MQM and it wants to break Pakistan.Saulat said that he
returned to Karachi in March 98 and immediately went into hiding. On October
30 he went to Bangkok. He said he was given the task of killing the foreigners,
Hussain Haqqani, Ejaz Shafi and Haleem Siddiqui. Saulat said when he was
coming out of the Karachi Airport he was nabbed by the police at the taxi stand.
He admitted that he had committed crimes, which arenot pardonable.
Saulat said that he believed that Dr Imran Farooq was also killed by MQM
partymen and added that Altaf Hussain did not tolerate any criticism and
whosoever did so, was eliminated. Saulat also feared danger to the life of Dr
Farooq Sattar. Accused Aslam Shaikh alias Aslam Chor (thief), who was arrested
by the police from Nazimabad area, was also presented before the press. He said
that in 1995 his younger brother Anwar Shaikh was killed in a rocket attack on
Garden police station. Accused Aslam admitted that he was involved in attacks
on police mobiles. He said that in 1997 Shoaib Bukhari and Zulfiqar Haider had
directed him to ‘clean’ SHO Aslam Hayat. He said that his conscience was
pricking him and added that he was giving the statement without any pressure.
DIG Qureshi said that the accused have given the statements after a few hours of
interrogation. The police will also check its record, he added. (News Dec 12, 1998
Dec 13, 1998:Another accused in Hakim Said murder case and an alleged
assassin of Zuhair Akram Nadim arrested in two raids conducted by Surjani
Town police and CIA Sadar respectively. Two more alleged accomplices were
also arrested on being pointed by Asim, reportedly an accused in the Hakim Said
murder case. On a tip off police cordoned off some parts of Sector L-1 in Surjani
Town of District West from where Asim was arrested.Korangi police arrested
Zubair alias Landhi Wala, who according to police has confessed his
involvement in the killing saying that Asim was thefirst to open fire at Hakim
Said from a KK rifle. On the information given by Asim raids were conducted in
Yousuf Goth, Surjani and Sher Shah areas. Shujauddin alias Shujoo and Habib
Ullah were arrested.
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The main accused in Hakim Saeed case are Zulfiqar Haider, MQM MPA,
Naushad alias Major Dandy, Shakir alias Langra. Zubair alias Landhi Wala,
Asim, Ajzaz alias Wazir, Asif and Amirullah have been arrested. One person
suspected to be Wahab Bandhani, who claims to be Hanif Kabarhi was also
arrested.
A CIA team raided a house in Sector 11 H, North Karachi from where Majid alias
Mullah (also known as Sir) was arrested. He confessed to have killed Zuhkar
Akram Nadim as well as PPP councillor and three Muslim Leaguers during
interrogation. SSP CIA, Manzoor Mughal disclosed that in July 1998, terrorists
belonging to Altaf Group met in Unit 77 Orangi Townwhere they finalised plans
of assassinating Zuhair Akram Nadim. On July 1998, they gunned him down in
Orangi when he was visiting an under construction building there. Earlier, they
targeted three Muslim Leaguers near Fauji Hotel also. In May 1995 they killed
Salahuddin alias Saloo, PPP Advisory Councillor andin September they killed
Shahid alias Sarphata, a member of PMRC. Another alleged terrorist of MQM
Aslam alias Chapta reported to be a close associateof most wanted Ajmal Pahari
was arrested in Jalalabad. SHO Gulbahar Mohammad Aslam told that on a tip
off, they raided a hideout located behind Subhan Bakery in Jalalabad where
terrorists were hiding. The terrorists opened fire at police but retaliatory firing by
police forced them to flee. However, one of them, Aslam Chapta was arrested.
One Kalashinkov, one 7 mm rifle, two repeaters and 3 TT pistols were recovered.
Police said that Aslam Chapta was a member of Unit 18 and also was an
honorary member of ‘Moazzazin’ committee.
SHO Gulbahar claimed that during interrogation, Aslam told them that they
were planning to get back the hold of Khajji Groundarea of the orders of MQM
chief Altaf Hussain. He confessed Ajmal Pahari Group was involved in the
killing of Zuhair Akram Nadim, Zahiruddin Babar (Jama’ at-I-Islami), three
Muslim Leaguers and others. The SHO further claimedthat Aslam told them that
Altaf Hussain always issue orders through his Secretary, Nadim Nusrat who
asked Shoaib Bukhari, MQM MPA, to convey the ordersto them. He also
confessed to have assaulted two women whom they killed after gang rape and
threw their bodies in Manghopier area.(Nation Dec 14,1998).
Dec 15, 1998:The arms used by terrorists to murder Hakim Mohammad Said
recovered from a nullah near Burns Road on the pointation of an arrested
accused namely Nadeem Mota. Korangi police have arrested three alleged
terrorists said to be close associates of Aijaz alias Kala Munna named in over 200
heinous cases. A team of Rangers in Korangi recovered a considerable quantity
of arms and ammunition. The enquiry officer of Hakim Mohammad Said case,
SP Agha Mohammad Tahir ordered a raid when Nadim Mota during
interrogation told the arms dumped near nullah behind Sindh secretariat. The
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arms seized from there included four Kalashinkovs, three TT pistols, one mauser
and 300 bullets of KK rifle and pistols. (Nation Dec 16, 1998).
Dec 16, 1998:The dangerous criminal Aslam Jhapata confessed themurder of 20
people including a councillor of Jammt -e-Islami and Zohar Akram an ex MNA.
According to the detail Aslam Jhapata was arrested on the 11th of December and
was an active member of Muthidda. During investigation he told the joint
interrogation team that he joined MQM in 1990 and when Karachi operation
started in 1992 he went underground. In 1995 Pirpurpolice on the charges of
keeping illegal weapons arrested him. In 1997 he came out from the jail and
started participating in criminal activities of MQMonce again.
Aslam told the investigators that in July 1998 Wasiah Jaleel called him along with
Ajmal Phari, Dilwar, Jahangir Saeed to nine zero and ordered them to kill Zohair
Akram. After receiving these orders they killed Zohair Akram in Orangi Town.
He confessed that on the instruction of MPA Mohiuddin sector incharge Ishtiaq
with the help of Zafar Nadeem Lamba and Akram Dahari Walla kidnapped five
persons of Sindhi, Punjabi and Pathan nationality from different area of Orangi
Town and killed them with Kalashinkov at Ghaziabad Orangi Town. On 16th
June 1998 Wasiah Jaleel called Aslam Ali along withhis helper at nine zero and
ordered them to kill the ex-Councillor of Jammat-e-Islami Zaheerudin Babar.
According to the report prepared by Sindh government a large number
terroristswho were arrested by police after the imposition of Governor’s rule in
Karachi have admitted that they got the training ofterrorism from India.
Dec 18, 1998:Hazara Police arrested a dreaded terrorist and dacoit Raai Khan
s/o Fazal Dad of MQM wanted by Karachi Police from a village of Havelian.
Accused Raai Khan was also member of the gang, which murdered Hakeem Said.
He was involved in several other incidents of murder and dacoity. He had
committed a dacoity in Maleer Karachi in which Rs Eleven lakh were looted.
(News Dec 19, 1998).
Dec 25, 1998:A prosecution witness in Hakim Said murder case onDecember 24,
1998 identified Amirullah Sheikh and Zubair, two activists of Muttahida Qaumi
Movement (MQM), as the main accused involved in thekilling. (News Dec 24,
1998).
Several MQM activists were rounded up during siege of Korangi and its
surrounding localities by law enforcement agencies.Zaman Town Police raided
an abandoned house in Nasir Colony and arrested Imran alias ‘Chauntees’ and
Imran alias Mani, both MQM activists, allegedly involved in various cases of
heinous crimes. Gulbahar Police arrested Tanveer alias Chachoo and
Mohammed Nasir and recovered two rifles from their possession.
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The two MQM activists were wanted in dozens of murder, attempted murder,
dacoity and kidnapping cases. The same police also arrested Tanveer, Nasir and
Irfan, allegedly involved in disposing of the bodies of persons murdered at Khajji
Ground. Three TT pistols also recovered from them. They admitted to disposing
off 40 dead bodies. Sharifabad Police arrested Fahim alias Baryaniwala, wanted
in certain criminal cases and recovered a TT pistolfrom him. Khawaja Ajmer
Nagri Police arrested Afzal Lamba with a pistol. Afzal was wanted in four
murder and firing incidents. Liaquatabad Police arrested Shakeel with a revolver.
CIA Sadar arrested Naseerullah and Khawaja Amir with two TT pistols.
Mominabad Police arrested Abdul Salam and Waseem Ahmed allegedly
involved in murder and kidnapping cases and recovered two pistols. Rangers
and Karachi police also arrested 10 terrorist including 8 MQM activists.
A team a rangers succeeded in arresting Syed Tariq Mustafa (Arif Burger) a close
companion of Ajmal Phari in a raid in Orangi town. During investigation Tariq
Mustafa revealed that on the doubt of disclosing information he cut the throat of
a person with the help of his friend Ehtasham in Orangi town sector 7-E lane no 6.
After this he washed his hair and showed it to every one in the area so that
people learn some lesson from it. Tariq Mustafa also admitted conferred to
involve in some other heinous crimes including the murder of 5-labourers in
Ghaziabad sector 11 1/2, and of firing rocket on Sindh Secretariat. He also
admitted the murder of different people in Khajji ground. Nazimabad police
arrested Yousaf Chandio (Arif Dhobbi) in a raid on Paposhnagar. (NNI/Nation
Dec 26, 1998).
Dec 27, 1998:Rafi, alias Bubbly is an activist of the MuttahidaQaumi Movement,
on December 16, 1997 lifted a Suzuki car from HouseNo 5 near Chandni Chowk
and on the very next day abducted a first year student Ambreen from Royal
Coaching Centre in Sharifabad police limits for rape and ransom. Later, he rang
the parents of the abducted and asked them to manage Rs. 500,000 as ransom.
The parents of that girl contacted the police and lodged an FIR of abduction and
rape of their daughter. On December 27, 1997 Bubblywas arrested by the police.
(News).
Dec 28, 1998:As many as 27 accused including two Unit Incharge of the MQM
were arrested as police also seized arms during their drive against criminals and
‘terrorists’. SHO, Gulbahar-led police team cordoned off Muslim Centre. During
houses’ search, they arrested Mohammad Irfan, Incharge Unit 189, and Qaisar
Abbas of MQM. Police seized TT pistols from them. (Nation Dec 29, 1998).
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Dec 30, 1998:New Karachi Police, after a brief encounter, arrested seven
Muttahida activists involved in criminal activitiesand recovered arms from them.
(Nation Dec 31, 1998).
Dec 31, 1998:Four terrorists belonging to the MQM `confessed` the planning of
assassination of the then Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto in Johannesburg during
her visit to South Africa. “We also planned to create Sunni and Ismaili riots in
Karachi”, they further said. They were produced before reporters at Central
Police Office during a Press briefing held by DIG Karachi. The DIG said that their
confession proved that they wanted only to bring a bad name to Pakistan world-wide and to weaken Pakistan. Surjani Town police arrested Nadim alias Civic,
Irfan alias Imran, Mirza Wasee Baig and Babar Anis and recovered from their
possession 3 KK including a snatched official KK rifle, two seven mm rifles,
seven pistols, two revolvers, one mauser and 400 rounds.
The accused told the police that Altaf Hussain MQM chief and his Secretary
Nadeem Nusrat ordered them in 1996 through Qamar Ghalib and Hamad Jilani
in South Africa to kill Benazir Bhutto. But Benazirdid not visit Johannesburg
hence the planning failed, they said. They said since Ismailis contributed a lot to
strengthen the country’s economy, hence we were ordered to kill Maulvi Akbar,
who had embraced Sunni faith. This was aimed at pitting sunnis and Ismailis
against each other, they said. In South Africa Qamar Ghalib and Homad Jilani
extort bhatta from Memons and other traders who belong to Pakistan. One
Fardia is the agent who arranges visas for visits of MQM activists from India and
other countries to South Africa , they revealed. Nadim alias Civic said that more
than 250 MQM activists named in heinous cases were in South Africa. (Nation
Jan1, 1999).
Jan 01, 1999:Anti-Terrorist Wing nabbed Iqbal from North Karachi who was
reported to be the brother of Mustafa Ganja, an activist of Muttahida and was
nominated in several FIRs. (Nation Jan 2, 1999).
Jan 6, 1999:Karachi Pirabad Police arrested a most wanted MQM terrorist
Nadeem Commando alias Street fighter from Bokhari Colony. During
investigations, Nadeem Commando confessed to be involved in several murder
cases. He is suspected to be involved in murder of an Army Police and several
police personnel. (Nawa-e-Waqt Jan 7, 1999).
Jan 7, 1999:Eight Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) activists arrested from
different areas in Karachi during search operationsand arms and ammunition
recovered from them. According to the details Mohammed Asif was arrested in
Nazimabad area with a pistol. He revealed that he injected poison to the
hospitalised activists injured in encounters with police. Risala police arrested
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Ahmed Din and Akhlaq Ahmed with two pistols. Nabi Bux police wanted
Akhlaq in a murder case. Mochko police arrested a truck driver Ali Mohammed
and recovered two pistols and 200 rounds of klashnikov from the truck. He
allegedly worked for MQM and had brought the ammunition from Balochistan.
Khokhrapar police arrested Waseem Tariq, wanted in 13 cases of murder, firing,
arson and police encounter. Garden police arrested Shahid alias TT from the area
with a TT pistol and 100 rounds. Landhi police arrested Kashif Langra with a
pistol wanted in murder and dacoity cases. (NNI/News Jan 8, 1999).
Jan 10, 1999: TheKarachi police arrested six alleged workers of Muttahida
Qaumi Movement (MQM) after an encounter in districtCentral’s Liaquatabad
area in which a police informer was killed. The police also recovered huge
quantity of arms after a raid on the hideout of thealleged terrorists near Arshi
Chowk at Qasimabad area in Liaquatabad. (News).
Another alleged terrorist of MQM was arrested on the pointation of the terrorists
whom police had arrested from katchi abadi of Qasimabad (Liaquatabad). Two
KK rifles were also seized when CIA raided a hideout in Malir. Official sources
reported that CIA with two Kalashnikovs from Malir 15 arrested Iqbal. He told
the police that he was present during a heated discussion between Tariq
Chamber and MQM chief Altaf Hussain followed by Altaf’s orders of his killing
complied with instantly by him with the help of another accomplice Zubair.
(Nation Jan 11, 1999).
Jan 11, 1999:More than a dozen Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) activists,
including a unit in-charge involved in murder and other criminal activities,
arrested from Karachi. Arms and ammunition in huge quantities also recovered
from them.
According to the details Abdus Salam alias Chingariallegedly responsible for
killing of an ASI, a head constable and a constablein Ibrahim Haideri area last
year along with his accomplices, arrested in Karachi. A TT pistol was also
recovered from his possession. In raids and search operations in various parts of
Liaquatabad five more suspects arrested for the incidents in which SHO
Liaquatabad’s brother-in-law was killed. The five persons were picked up during
raids in Azam Nagar, Sindhi Hotel and Peeli Kothi. Gulbahar police arrested
Amjad Idrees, a joint unit in-charge of MQM, from Nazimabad and recovered a
Kalashnikov from him. The accused was wanted in a number of murder, firing
and kidnapping cases. Surjani Town police on pointation of an under custody
prisoner arrested two terrorists recovering two 7 mm rifles from an under
construction building of the area with 100 rounds. Al Falah police arrested Saqib
Hussain with a pistol. Aziz Bhatti police arrested Mohammed Sajid and Rehan in
Gulshan and recovered two pistols from them.
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Liaquatabad police arrested Haider Raza in murder and attempt to murder cases
and recovered a pistol from him. Four persons including fake police sub
inspector in uniform arrested from Landhi while they were collecting “bhatta”
from shopkeepers. The accused, were identified as Ashraf alias Kala, who was
the ringleader and was in uniform of police sub inspector, Mohammed Yousuf,
Shahid and Zahid. Police also recovered four pistols from their possession.
(NNI/News Jan 12, 1999).
Jan 15, 1999:Police have arrested several activists of Muttahida Qaumi
Movement (MQM) allegedly involved in terrorist and criminal activities in siege
and search operations. According to the details three MQM activists were
arrested after an exchange of fire from Khajji Ground in Nazimabad. They were
identified as Saeed Nizami, Saleem and Aqeel. Two klashnikovs, eight revolvers
and 200 rounds were also recovered from them. Police claimed that Saeed is
involved in murder of three policemen and five other persons of the area. In
Joharabad, three MQM activists were arrested after a brief encounter when they
fired upon police from an abandoned house. They were identified as
Mohammad Ali, Arman and Saleem. One 22 rifle and two TT pistols were
recovered from them.The arrested persons were wanted in several criminal cases.
Korangi Police arrested an activist Qurban Ali and recovered two rifles and
several rounds from him. Zaman Town Police, arrested Mohammad Javed with a
TT pistol. He was wanted in a number of murder, firing and arson cases. (Nation
Jan 16, 1999).
Jan 17, 1999:Police arrested four persons involved in forcibly collecting Bhata
from the shopkeepers of Rainbow Center. (Nation Jan18, 1999).
Jan 22, 1999:An MQM (Altaf) MPA Afzal Anwar and a unit inchargeof
Mutahida Qaumi Movement Mohammad Hashim were arrested in connection
with 1997 murder case of a PPP activist and his son. A police party, headed by
the SHO Gulbahar, raided the house of Afzal Anwar and took away the MPA.
The MPA was involved in the murder of Naeem Hasni, PPP President, district
Central, Karachi and his son in 1997.
Gulishtan-e-Jauhar police arrested a Unit Incharge MQM Mohammad Hashim
alias Khalid alias Hasho from a flat. He is involved in same murder case. He was
also involved in ten murders and several criminal cases. The Rangers also
arrested an accused Naeem Thalaywala from Liaquatabad who is involved in the
murder of three army men. Afzal Anwar is the third MPA of Mutahida Qaumi
Movement who was arrested as in the month of October last. Shoaib Bokhari and
Wakil Ahmad were arrested from Nine Zero. During the interrogation, Naeem
told that the others involved in the killings are Farooq, Saghir Mota, sector
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incharge Shabbir Qasai, Akram Kana, Nadeem Marble-wala, Habib Safdar,
Abrar, Rashid, Javed Kala, Amir and Asif.
More MQM activists allegedly involved in terrorist and criminal activities also
arrested with arms and ammunition from different areas of the city. New
Karachi police arrested Shahid Charibi after a shootout and recovered two 7mm
rifles, a single barrel shot gun and a repeater from the spot. Afalah police
arrested Shabbir Ahmed alias Farhan and recovered aG-3 rifle snatched from an
official from him. Saudabad police arrested MaqboolAhmed and Amir Raza
from the area. He is involved in murder and arson cases. Two pistols were also
recovered from him. Saeedabad police arrested AbdulJabbar with a pistol.
Ibrahim Haideri police arrested Suleman and recovered a rifle from him. Khwaja
Ajmer Nagri police arrested Azizur Rehman with a TTpistol. New Karachi
police arrested Mohammed Imran with a pistol from the area. (Nation Jan 23,
1999).
Jan 24, 1999:A considerable quantity of arms and ammunition recovered by
police on the pointation of arrested terrorists of MQM. According to the details
Khalid alias Pawwa, a former unit incharge was arrested in Azizabad by SHO-led police party. On his pointation, police recovered one 22 rifle, one 222 rifles,
one repeater gun and over 400 bullets buried in Yasinabad graveyard. On
pointation of Akram Rajput, an arm depot was raidednear a mosque (Bahare
Madina) in Liaquatabad from where a china rifle, a 7mm rifle, TT pistols, mauser,
carbine, two 222 rifles one kk rifle and 15 shells anti-tank fuse. (Nation Jan 25,
1999).
Jan 27, 1999:The killings of hundreds of Karachiites was ordered by MQM Chief
Altaf Hussain, the two-under arrest MQM terrorists disclosed as the Karachi
police officially declared the arrest of the two RAW-trained terrorists and their
four accomplices.
Altaf Hussain has been personally giving me orders to kill, said 25-year-old
Muhammad Nadeem, an under-matriculate involved in the killings of 203
persons in Kalashinkov attacks and bomb blasts, during SSP Lahore’s press
conference conducted prior to any identification parade of the accused, or their
statement in judicial custody.
The city police chief, Ahmad Raza Tahir said that Muhammad Nadeem and his
accomplice Muhammad Sarwar had killed over 200 persons including 67 in four
bomb blasts, 25 in Kalashinkov attack on a passenger bus, the murder of MNA
Azeem Ahmad Tariq, 10 by using head-torture clips and 84 in pillion-riding
attacks. They had also kidnapped two Koreans, two Chinese and two Iranian-nationals and the government had to pay ransom for their release. They had also
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packed 12 bodies in sacks and stolen Rs 55 million from a Hyderabad bank by
exploding its strong room door through a blast.
One of the terrorists, Muhammad Nadeem told reporters, he joined MQM in
1987 through Javaid Langra, got fire-arms training in Rajasthan, India, and how
and his accomplices acted on the “direct orders” ofMQM Chief, Altaf Hussain.
“During the three-month training, the Indian Army had kept us in separate
camps,” he said, and recalled having seen between 500 and 600 MQM trainees at
the Indian camps.” In charge of so-called Shurfa committee and 12 sectors, the
accused said he was 15 when he first committed a crime. “Since then, I never
looked back,” he said, adding that the money they looted was handed over to the
Nine-Zero authorities. “I have met Altaf Hussain ona number of occasions in the
presence of the Taj group members and was ordered to kill MNA Azeem Ahmad
Tariq. I, along with my accomplices Imamud Din, Rashid Kala, Nasir Chingari
and Taj had sprayed Kalashinkov bullets on a passenger bus which had left 17
dead,” he said. About the bodies found in sacks, hesaid these were the members
of the MQM and killed by MQM, “They had either refused to carry out any more
terrorists act or had simply switched over to the other group,” He said while
explaining how the Altaf Hussain-led MQM had killedseveral persons and their
family members for “disobeying”. (Nation Jan 28, 1999)
Liaquatabad police arrested two MQM workers Shafique and Arshad Kan Katta
who are involved in the murder of two armymen. A Kalashinkov and T.T. Pistol
were recovered from their procession. These accusedbelong to A.S.I. Naushad
and Wahab Budhani group who are involved in the murder of Hakim Saeed,
during investigations accused told the police that they killed two armymen on
the directives of Tanzeem (MQM) and throw their bodies in Liaquatabad
graveyard. (Nawa-I-Waqt Jan 28, 1999)
January 31, 1999:A torture cell was unearthed by Liaquatabad policewhile four
more terrorists including a close associate of Javed alias Langra were among
those arrested on 31st Jan. Ranger’s team conductedraids in different parts of
Karachi. In their raid in New Karachi, they held Ikramuddin alias Mama Bhola
who is also a close associate of Javed alias Langra.
In Orangi Town of District West, Nadeem alias Pappar was reportedly arrested
by Rangers. Two others viz Syed Abid Rizvi, incharge unit 180 and Muhammad
Aslam were arrested from Allama Iqbal town. Arms were also recovered from
them.
In Qasimabad of Liaquatabad, SHO Sarwar Commando-led police party raided a
house on a tip-off where they demolished a picket established by terrorists.
Police claimed that a major torture cell was being run in that building and that
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three armymen could also have been killed there.In Liaquatabad No. 8, a hideout
was raided where some materials used in torture also seized. Police raided the
house of Rehan alias Kana in search of his brother Talha.
During their drive against anti-social elements, police rounded up some 37
accused. Police also disclosed the procedure used by MQM to send its activists
abroad. The expenses were borne by its social welfare body Khidmat-I-Khalaq
Foundation.The foundation also helped Zulfiqar Haider, member Sindh
Assembly and main accused in Hakim Said murder casein leaving the country
through Pak-Iran border on November 9, 1998 and paid cheques to Polani
Travelling Agency in Karachi.
Two accused Tehseen Siddiqui and Abid involved in sending abroad the
criminal activists of MQM were arrested by the police in this regard and police
siezed fake visas of South Africa and other countries, identity cards, and fake
passport from their possession. (Nation February 01, 1999)
February 2, 1999:Police and CIA raided different areas in Karachi and arrested
10 terrorists. 6 out of them belong to Muttahida. Police also recovered arms from
their procession. According to the details CIA Malir arrested accused Fiaz
Ahmed of Muttahida, who told the police during interrogation that he
committed different crimes on the directives from Nine Zero.
He killed two people on the orders of unit InchargeKalia and raped 10 women.
Brigade police arrested Ikram who was wanted in different cases and recovered a
pistol from him. Nazimabad police recovered a pistol from Mohammad Anwar
while Sharifabad police arrested Kamran and recovered a pistol from him.
Ibrahim police also arrested Fahim Waseem and Mohammad Akram who are
involved in the cases of murder, kidnapping and attempt of murder. CIA police
recovered pistol from Usman, Malir City Police recovered rifle from Ijaz Ahmed,
CIA Malir recovered mouser from Fiaz Ahmed and recovered pistol from Kazim
Qureshi who was arrested from Liaqatabad. (Nawa-e-Waqt February 3, 1999)
February 3, 1999:32 accused including two terrorists of MQM were rounded up
as police and Rangers continued their campaign against terrorists and
criminals.Anti-Terrorists Wing (ATW) of Karachi Police had cordoned off
Jamshed Quarter No. 2 near Bijli Ground in search of some wanted terrorists
when they were fired upon by somebody. After a brief encounter, ATW team
arrested one Salim alias Ghanoo and seized a Kalashinkov from his possession.
Chief of ATW team Raja Umer Khitab said Salim was wanted in 35 cases.
Rangers and police raided the house of Shami Dacoitin Hasrat Mohani Colony
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of Pak Colony, District West. Zahid alias Kalia wasalso held. (Nation February 4,
1999)
February 8, 1999:Ranger’s spokesman said that the 51 Wing of Bhittai Rangers
apprehended two terrorists of MQM identified as Imran alias Super and
Salimuddin alias Gullo. They were held from KorangiNo. 4. They were involved
in various cases of murder including killing of a student Humayoon and “Ajji” of
rival Haqiqi faction of MQM in Sector F. SDM of thearea was also present
during the raid.(Nation February 9, 1999, February 10, 1999)
Pakistan Rangers have arrested an alleged hardened killer, Atiq alias Atoo, who
is also nominated in the Hakim Said murder case. According to a press release of
Rangers, the accused is allegedly involved in over two dozen cases of murder,
including killing of two Pakistan Air Force personnel, two police constables, one
Qoumi Razadar and a woman. (News/APP February 11, 1999)
February 11, 1999:Shakil Ahmed Kanpoori, member MQM organising
Committee arrested by CIA Karachi Inspector, Javed Anjum, on January 12 from
Islamabad, Shakil Ahmed is involved in over 60 crimes of a heinous nature.
Another 12 arrested terrorists were also present atthis occasion. They were: Arif
Ahmed, Mohsin Shah, Kalim alias Jugno, Shahzad alias Ludan, Aurengzeb,
Khalid Mehmood, Akhlaq alias Khalo, Salim Siddiquee, Shanawaz, Muhammad
Ayub, Aziz-ur-Rehman and Sajjad.
Two klashnikovs, 10 pistols, a revolver, a stolen car and two motorcycles were
recovered from these accused have confessed to murder more than 60 persons
collecting Rs. 2 million through extortion, attacking mobiles of police and
Rangers, setting on fire a passenger train in Orangi Town, torturing 50 persons to
death at a Nazim Abad torture cell and getting released 25 terrorists through
forged documents.
In his confessional statement, Shakil said Altaf Hussain wanted division of
Pakistan into nine regions including a state for Mohajirs comprising Karachi,
Hyderabad and Mirpur Khas. He said initially the proposed state was named as
Jinnahpur but when the intelligence agencies came to know about it, the
proposed state was then renamed as Mohajiristan. Hesaid Altaf Hussain would
head that state.
He said everything had been chalked out on papers with regard to that proposed
independent state. Anis Advocate Anis Ahmed Qaimkhani, Naseem Jalil, Aftab
Sheikh Liaquat Ali, Dr Farooq Sittar, Zulfiqar Haider and Wasay Jalil were
involved in that planning, Shakil said these peoplebelieved that their plan
would be executed in the year 2000. (Nation)
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Paramilitary forces conducted an operation in DarraAdamkhel in a hunt for the
MQM terrorists. Eight locals suspected to have assisted Karachi-based Muttahida
Qaumi Movement in gun running and violence in the Pakistan’s port city and
about 15 workers from the factories manufacturing guns were apprehended.
Intelligence agencies had credible tips about the presence of terrorists in the area.
Four vehicles, lifted or snatched from Karachi wererecovered during the
operation. Those arrested include Haji Fazal and Haji Khan Mohammad Din,
who have been providing arms and ammunitions to Altaf Hussain’. Authorities
had information about the presence of six MQM men with Haji Fazal while some
hand grenades were recovered from Mohammad Din’s place. Two vehicles were
recovered from Haji Fazal’s place. (Nation).
According to WWI, CIA Jamshed quarters arrested MQM’s terrorists
Mohammad Shakeel alias “chikna” who had opened fireon Columbian Experts,
arms were also recovered from him. (Nawa-e-Waqt February 12, 1999)
February 14, 1999: An alleged MQM terrorist was arrested by the personnel of an
intelligence agency in D.I Khan, police said. Maqsood, the alleged MQM terrorist
was picked up from a city locality. He was working as a labourer here for long
time but was wanted by Karachi police in several cases of heinous crimes. (News
February 15, 1999)
February 15, 1999:Police arrested nine Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM)
activists allegedly involved in murder and other criminal activities and
recovered arms and ammunition from them. The New Karachi Police during
patrolling intercepted an MQM activist Asif with a stolen car and TT pistol.
During a search, the police recovered a card of Muslim Students Federation and
Shabab Milli from his possession.
He was wanted in a number of criminal cases. The Soldier Bazar police arrested
Mohammad Zaman and Mohammad Yousaf for their involvement in murder
and arson cases. The Model Colony Police arrested Shahid alias Natha and
Arshad Ali from Mehran depot and also recovered twoTT pistols from their
possession. The Mominabad police arrested Waseem alias Langara with a pistol.
He was involved in murder and dacoity cases.
In New Karachi, police arrested Amir and Asif Kala driving a Car # Q-2386 and
recovered 2 TT pistols from them. According to police both of them are
Muttihada’s workers and involved in terrorist activities. (Nawa-e-Waqt February
16, 1999)
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February 16, 1999:Three wanted activists of Muttahida Qaumi Movement
(MQM) were reportedly apprehended by the Anti-terrorists wing personnel on
their arrival in Karachi from Colombo by a PIA flight. They were identified as
Mohammed Anwar, Abdul Rasheed and Izharul Hasan. They were nabbed
because of information received by ATW about their return to Karachi. They had
fled to Colombo after governor’s rule was imposed in Sindh. (APP/News February
17, 1999)
February 17, 1999:Lahore Cantt circle police arrested an MQM terrorist Abdul
involved in murder of 12 persons and other terrorist activities. Abdul Rauf alias
Rufa alias Ali alias Shah, was arrested along with his sister-in-law Shaheen
Kausar alias Shaheena alias Naz. Police afterwards arrested their two allies
Ameer Afsar and Fiazi Zaidi from Karachi on the information provided by them.
Police also recovered illegal arms from Ameer Afsarand Fiazi Zaidi. ASP Cantt
Qazi Jamshad disclosed these details on 17 Februaryin Lahore. He said that
accused at interrogation centre North Nazimabad killed 9 persons including a
rebelled MQM Sector Incharge on Independence Day in1998.
ASP further told that the accused also killed K.M.C.’s engineer Shaan Zaidi and
killed two persons in Imambargah Khar with firing. Accused killed Mohammad
Khan and Ishmael Khan opponent of a drug baron in Quetta and took Rs 4 lakhs
from the baron for the killings.
Accused is also involved in 8 bank dacoities and more than dozen other crimes.
The sister-in-law of Rauf, Shaheen Kausar is also involved in various crimes.
(Nawa-e-Waqt February 18, 1999)
February 21, 1999:Jamal Sultan, Incharge, Society Sector of MQM was arrested
from his house in Block II, PECHS in a raid conducted by CIA Central. One
Kalashinkov and two Pajero jeeps were recovered from his house.
Azizabad police in several raids arrested the owners of some travel agencies on
being pointed out by three MQM men who were arrested on February 20, 1999.
(Nation)
Three alleged terrorists of MQM arrested by Anti-Dacoit and Robbery Cell
(ADRC) in a raid in Muslimabad of Malir City DSP ofADRC told in a
briefing.Akbar Ali alias Babar Kashi, Nadeem alias Sri Devi and Mehmood
Ahmed were arrested from behind the petrol pump in a raid and one carbine,
two revolvers, 16 rounds were seized from their possession.They were named in
seven cases registered by Saudabad police and Alfalah police. They are allegedly
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involved in burning ofbuses firing on police and transport. (Nation February 22,
1999)
February 22, 1999:CIA Malir arrested unit incharge of MQM Orangi Town,
Shamim Pervaiz and his accomplice Naushad Alam. TwoAK-47assault rifles
were also recovered from them.They were allegedly wanted in a number of cases,
including seven murders, CIA East arrested MohammadNazir and Alamwith
two Ttpistolsfrom Korangi area for involvement in murder and arson cases. (The
News/NNI February 23, 1999)
February 25, 1999:Liaquatabad police and FIA in a joint raid at Jinnah Terminal,
arrested a Sector Incharge of MQM trying to flee toMale in Air Lanka flight at 3
am on February 25, 1999 while a Unit Incharge of MQM (H) and seven other
MQM activists were also held and four suspects weretaken into custody as
police claimed to have arrested 55 accused.
Six pistols, two revolvers, one repeater and a dagger was also seized from their
possession. Iftekhar Ahmed Khan, a Sector Incharge of Sharifabad was arrested
while trying to flee to Male as he was to board theflight UL-184 of Air Lanka.
His name was place on Exit Control List as he was named in killings and murder
attempts. From his possession, a Press card was also seized. (Nation February 26,
1999)
February 26, 1999:Karachi police arrested four persons included Muttahida
workers in raids in different areas of Karachi. Arms were also recovered from
them. According the detail, Manghoo Peer Police arrested Kamran Billa an ally of
Farooq Dada, a dangerous terrorist who was killed in police encounter and
recovered a stengun from him. Accused Kamran is involved in the killings of
several government officials and different incidents of firing and murder.
(N.Waqt).
Rangers arrested one dangerous terrorist of Muttahida Qaumi Movement who
was involved in killing of several persons including a police constable. (Nation
February 27, 1999)
February 27, 1999:The Karachi police arrested a notorious terrorist Syed Fida
Hussain Shah, at Regal Chowk Saddar. The accused was wanted by Baldia police
in different cases of terrorist activities and armssmuggling. According to CIA,
the accused was being interrogated at South CIA Center. (Nation/PPI).
An alleged terrorist of MQM Shakeel Shah was arrested by Havelian Police after
prolonged exchange of fire. Shakeel Shah was wantedby Sindh Police in
numerous heinous criminal acts. During the Police operation, Mian Raza, DSP
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Havelian, was also injured. Sindh Police had provided a list of terrorists to
Hazara Police. On a tip off received by the Police,under the supervision of DSP
Mian Raza, a Police party besieged the house of oneMustafa Shah, paternal
uncle of Shakeel, and ordered the accused to come out.
In reply, the accused started firing on the Police,which was responded by the
Police personnel. Finally, the police arrested Shakeel. Police recovered one pistol,
one repeater 12-bore, a Kalashinkov, three magazines and numerous cartridges
from the accused. During the initial investigations, the terrorists confessed his
involvement in several criminal cases. (Nation February 28, 1999.)
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MQM’s New Drama and the Real Cause of MQM-PML Hostility
By Amir Mir
The News, Daily Jang
September 02, 2009
The present animosity between the Altaf-led MQM andthe Sharif-led PML has
more to do with the October 1998 murder of former Sindh governor Hakim
Mohammad Said and the subsequent imposition of the Governor Rule in the
province by the then prime minister Nawaz Sharif, rather than the 1992
operation clean-up, following which the two partieshad mended fences and
joined hands to form coalition governments in Sindhand at the federal level.
The MQM is swinging between the PML and the PPP since the restoration of
democracy in Pakistan in 1988, by joining almost every ruling coalition in Sindh.
Having joined hands with then prime minister Benazir Bhutto after the 1988
elections, the MQM walked out of the PPP-led coalition in Sindh and at the
centre in 1989. After the 1990 elections, the MQM teamed up with the Sharif-led
PML, but left the coalition in 1992. After the dismissal of the second Benazir
government in November 1996 and the subsequent holding of the 1997 general
elections, Nawaz Sharif and Altaf Hussain had againjoined forces against their
common rival PPP.
On February 21, 1997, the MQM leadership signed a power sharing accord with
new prime minister Nawaz Sharif and joined the coalition government at the
federal level and in Sindh. As per the accord, Nawaz Sharif had agreed to hold a
judicial probe into the deaths of hundreds of MQM workers in police custody or
fake encounters besides granting compensation to the families of the deceased.
Interestingly, the PML-MQM did not mention the 1992military operation, for
which the MQM now blames the PML.
The first major development that followed the PML-MQM reunion was the
Sindh High Courts February 1997 decision to acquit Altaf Hussain and his 18 co-accused in the kidnapping and torture case of MajorKaleemuddin of the Field
Intelligence Unit (FIU) of the Pakistan Army. The acquittal only became possible
after Advocate General Sindh Shaukat Zuberi had submitted before the court
that numerous omissions and contradictions had beenmade during the trial and
that he would not support the convictions of the accused by a special court for
suppression of terrorist activities.
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On April 1, 1997, the PML-MQM coalition government in Sindh announced the
formation of a compensation committee to pay compensation to the members of
the affected families and their legal heirs who hadsuffered during the period
October 1993 to November 1997. Once again, there was no mention of the year
1992 when the infamous operation clean up was launched by the Pakistan Army
in Sindh. This was despite the fact that the operation clean-up had started in the
rural areas of Sindh on May 23, 1992 and in the urban areas of the province on
June 19, 1992. The operation had cost the government over Rs 4 billion since
45,000 military and para-military troops of the Corps V were deployed in Sindh
to assist the civil administration in restoring peace.
As a follow up to the PML-MQM power sharing accord of February 21, 1997, the
Sharif government subsequently paid a hefty amount of Rs 500 million from the
federal kitty as compensation to the families of 711 MQM activists who had
either been killed or left disabled. However, the London-based MQM leadership
now claims that around 15,000 MQM workers and supporters had lost their lives
in the aftermath of the 1992 operation clean up. Interestingly, the MQM workers
were not the only ones to have been compensated by the then Sharif government.
A sum of Rs 200 million was also distributed as compensation money amongst
634 bereaved families of the Army, Rangers and the Police Jawans who had lost
their lives between May 1992 and April 1998 in anti-terrorist operations carried
out in Sindh.
To the amazement of many, the families of those killed (MQM-A workers) and
those who had been blamed for their deaths (law enforcement agencies) were
paid an equal compensation amount of Rs 300,000 each by the Sharif government.
While the widows and other dependents of the army, rangers and police Jawans
were given compensation money because they had losttheir lives fighting
terrorism, the family members of the MQM-A workers were compensated for
their extra-judicial killings by the law enforcement agencies. But the most
astonishing aspect of the whole episode was that the army had claimed a head
money reward of Rs 5 million from the Sindh government for killing 368
desperados during the 1992 operation clean-up, including several MQM-A
activists whose families had to be paid compensation money eventually.
The PML-MQM coalition went smooth afterwards for almost a year, before some
serious differences erupted between the two partners, making the MQM to quit
the federal and Sindh governments in August 1998. Yet on September 20, 1998,
the MQM resumed support to the PML government at federal level and in Sindh,
but without joining the cabinets.
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However, their alliance came to an abrupt end following the October 17, 1998
murder of the former Sindh governor Hakim Mohammad Said, who was
allegedly assassinated by MQM activists in Karachi.The main accused in the
murder case was Zulfiqar Haider, a serving MPA of the MQM from the Sindh
Assembly.
On October 28, 1998, ten days after the murder and having received the initial
inquiry report from the authorities, Nawaz Sharif accused the MQM legislator
and seven other party activists of involvement in the Hakim Said murder and set
a three-day deadline for Altaf Hussain to handover the killers, including the
MPA, failing which he threatened to call-off the PML-MQM alliance.
On October 31, 1998, following the MQM leadershipisrefusal to meet the
deadline, the then prime minister Nawaz Sharif imposed federal rule in Sindh,
which was followed by a massive crackdown by the security agencies against the
MQM, which led to a fresh round of hostilities between the two political parties
whose leadership is at daggers drawn against each other even today.
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Nazeer Naji Confesses PMLN & Shareef Brethren Helped MQM in
1992
Nazeer Naji – Season of Confessions – Aetrafaat Ka Mausam
Daily Jung, August 27, 2009
Nazeer Naji (also spelled: Nazir Naji urdu: ذن ري جان ی ) is a senior news columnist in
Pakistan’s Urdu press. He frequently writes in the country’s largest newspaper,
Daily Jang.
Since Mr. Altaf Hussain has been provoking hatred against people of Punjab and
it’s rulers by using various and regular tactics each time, Nazeer Naji, this time
thought of making some confessions in order to contribute his role towards the
truth and nothing else… I believe this positivist adds, even if a little towards the
racism being spread around in today’s Pakistan by none other than our very own
nincompoop politicians!
Below, is today’s column by Nazeer Naji revealing some facts quite needed today,
especially for people of Karachi and MQM:
After listening interview of Lt Gen (rtd) Naseer Akhter and Brig (rtd) Imtiaz on
ARY, I got so disturb, which forced me to open my mouth, which I kept shut for
many years, as I never felt safe for the life of myfamily, especially kids. A big lie
of General Naseer Akhter and Brig Imtiaz regarding map of Jinnahpur, as they
also had no knowledge! In 1989, as a Captain I was posted to B Company 50
Wing Bhittai Rangers district center Karachi in aidof civil administration.
At that time MQM terrorist activities were on the top. I was local area force
commander located in KDA office Liaqutabad and was responsible for almost
entire district centre, where MQM leader was living(90) and had headquarter (89)
in Al-kerm squire adjacent to my company location. I was the most active and
well known officer at that time, because of my actions against all sorts of
criminals. I had so much knowledge of the area, upon which general officer
commanding major General Saleem Malik was assisted by me for the recce of the
area. None of the IB person came forward or had theknowledge of the area, as
they did not dare to enter the area being controlled by MQM. Whereas IB
personal have been making their reports after getting the information from us,
while sitting their offices. MQM never spared any intelligence agencies personal,
if ever entered to their area, thus they had very little knowledge about offices
and torture cells of MQM on ground and a very little knowledge about MQM
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activities. Thus how it was possible for Brig Imtiaz to investigate the map of
Jinnahpur? How he confirm that it was not the actual? What were his resources,
where as I was never contacted, since I recovered this map along with many
other documents from Al-kerm squire.
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Jinnah Pur & MQM: Major Nadeem Dar also Reveals Stunning
Facts
After listening interview of Lt Gen (rtd) Naseer Akhter and Brig (rtd) Imtiaz on
ARY, I got so disturb, which forced me to open my mouth, which I kept shut for
many years, as I never felt safe for the life of myfamily, especially kids. A big lie
of General Naseer Akhter and Brig Imtiaz regarding map of Jinnahpur, as they
also had no knowledge! In 1989, as a Captain I was posted to B Company 50
Wing Bhittai Rangers district center Karachi in aidof civil administration.
At that time MQM terrorist activities were on the top. I was local area force
commander located in KDA office Liaqutabad and was responsible for almost
entire district centre, where MQM leader was living(90) and had headquarter (89)
in Al-kerm squire adjacent to my company location. I was the most active and
well known officer at that time, because of my actions against all sorts of
criminals. I had so much knowledge of the area, upon which general officer
commanding major General Saleem Malik was assisted by me for the recce of the
area. None of the IB person came forward or had theknowledge of the area, as
they did not dare to enter the area being controlled by MQM. Whereas IB
personal have been making their reports after getting the information from us,
while sitting their offices. MQM never spared any intelligence agencies personal,
if ever entered to their area, thus they had very little knowledge about offices
and torture cells of MQM on ground and a very little knowledge about MQM
activities. Thus how it was possible for Brig Imtiaz to investigate the map of
Jinnahpur? How he confirm that it was not the actual? What were his resources,
where as I was never contacted, since I recovered this map along with many
other documents from Al-kerm squire.
I did not have any enmity with MQM or with any other political parties or
criminals, but was doing best by performing my duties. I never saw that General
Naseer Akhter or Brig Imtiaz ever visited our area.During this operation clean
up our 50 Wing Bhittai ranger was placed under command of Brig Usmani, who
later became corps commander the same corps, which was commanded by Lt
Gen Naseer Akhter. Lt Gen (rtd) Muzaffar Hussain Usmani knows all about our
raid to al-kerm squire (89) and Azizabad (90). He also knows about all the torture
cells we found and were shown on PTV. We recovered lot of arms and
ammunition from different offices of MQM. I also served as General Staff
Officer-II (IS) with General Saleem Hayder, who became GOC after General
Saleem Malik. He also has been appreciating my knowledge and experience.
On 28 May I arrested APMSO leader Shahood Hashmi from Karachi Poly
Technical College, on which MQM boycotted Nation assembly budget session in
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protest. FIR was launched against him in SITE police station. But I was forced to
leave this criminal. My action was appreciated by General Officer Commanding
Saleem Malik. Yes, that was the time once Major Naeem from IB contacted me
and passed me a threat of General Naseer Akhter andPresident Ghulam Ishaq
Khan, that if I will not leave Shahood Hashmi then I could be in civil cloth next
day. Is it justice that a criminal, who was responsible for killing many innocents,
especially students of JI in the same college from where he was arrested? Is it
justice that a criminal, who scuffled with me and torn my military uniform,
which belongs to the people of Pakistan?
In May I received credible reports about Karachi Sarafa Market, that there is lot
of smuggling gold and Indian currency and then a plan was made, which later
was discussed with Lt gen (rtd) Naseer Akhter by mycommanding officer Lt Col
Farooq Sultan and I was also sitting in that meeting. Lt Gen (rtd) Naseer Akhter
permitted us and finally whole 50 Wing Bhittai Rangers along with police and
magistrate executed a successful raid and seized a huge amount of Indian
currency and Gold. Immediately after that the Sarafa union went on strike,
where as the currency and the gold was deposited with custom after registration
of the case under custom acts against Haji Ilyas. We were offered a bribe for not
registering the case, but we refused. On the other hand these union people met
Gen Naseer Akhter, who ordered us to hand over all seized items and release
Haji Ilyas. Lt Gen (rtd) Naseer ordered an enquiry against the whole raiding
party, including the magistrate also. I was the only officer among the whole
raiding party who made a statement against Gen Naseer Akhter. At later many
time I was asked to change the statement, but I didnot. This enquiry can be
found from the official documents. I got the information that Sarafa Union gifted
him one land cruiser and to this effect I made the same statement at that time.
Now the question comes that if my statement could have been wrong then why
he did not ordered for my court martial. But true is that he got that, so that is
why he preferred to keep quite.
Such corrupt people are the bad name to our institution, where as our army is
the best in the world and I am proud of it. I will end my article with these
questions:-
• Will you believe those, who never were present on ground for the
operation?
• Will you believe those, who have the history of being corrupt?
• Lt gen (rtd) Naseer must be asked, that under whichpower or law can
order a case to withdraw, once FIR is registered, so why a court should
not be allowed to make the justice?
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• From where and from which sources Brig (rtd) Imtiazconfirmed that
Jinnahpur map was not correct?
• Will you believe that Altaf Hussain is not the Indian RAW agent, as he
visited Indian and made the statement that “idea ofPakistan was dead at
its inception”?
• He also said that “The division of the subcontinentwas the biggest
blunder…it was not the division of land, it was thedivision of blood. Still
you think he is loyal to Pakistan?
• He wants India to open its doors to every Mohajir, the Muslim refugees
who went to Pakistan after the partition. “I appeal to the politicians here
to forgive the people who left and let them return,“ said Hussain. What
this shows that it was mistake to migrate to Pakistan!
Still you believe Altaf Hussain and his helper has spoken truth by nullify his
heinous plan to divide Pakistan and make new country as Jinnahpur?
I swear upon God that what so ever I have written is correct and I stand on my
words. Till today I am the victim of MQM. I have very long history and story, on
which people can weep, how I and my family have gone through a painful
torture after this operation against MQM and other criminals.
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Where PPP, PML-N and MQM Stood on Jinnahpur in 1992
September 03, 2009
By Ansar Abbasi
If history has any relevance in our politics then the Pakistan Peoples’ Party (PPP)
and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) so closely allied today — were
daggers drawn over the Jinnahpur conspiracy in 1992and the PPP was accusing
the Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) of cover-up while the then-Nawaz Sharif
government was pleading complete innocence.
Reports carried by leading newspapers on the issue during 1992 show the
Nawaz-led IJI government had completely denied the existence of Jinnahpur
conspiracy but the PPP-led PDA (Pakistan DemocraticAlliance) opposition
charged the government of covering up the MQM’s conspiracy.
However, the Jamaat-e-Islami, a coalition partner in the government, once
moved an adjournment motion in the National Assembly to discuss the
Jinnahpur conspiracy. It was no less than opposition leader Benazir Bhutto, who
had accused the Nawaz regime of trying to cover up the conspiracy of the MQM
which, according to her, wanted to make a separate homeland with the support
of India. The incumbent President, Asif Ali Zardari, had also demanded action
against Jinnahpur planners.
Today though the MQM targets the PML-N for the Jinnahpur conspiracy, during
those times MQM Chief Altaf Hussain was even found hailing the Nawaz
government for exposing Jinnahpur. Altaf Hussain also demanded a probe into
the matter by the Supreme Court.
Similarly, the PML-N, which today passes the buck on the Army and intelligence
agencies to have created the Jinnahpur drama, during those days insisted that
the plot was a figment of imagination of the PPP. The then-interior minister
Chaudhry Shujaat was also reported to have said theArmy used to operate as
per the directive of the government.
In order to have a true sense of the political divide of those times and the
position of different political parties on the issue of Jinnahpur, briefs of
statements and reports of newspapers of different political leaders and analysts
on the issue are reproduced here.
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Jang Karachi quoted Benazir Bhutto on July 6, 1992 as saying if Beharis are
settled in Sindh it would pave the way for Jinnahpur and Sindhudesh. She said
Sindh had proved to be waterloo for the past rulersand it may also become the
same for Nawaz Sharif.
July 18, 1992 Jang Karachi reported Brigadier Haroon, the Army spokesman, as
saying in a press briefing that the MQM had planneda separate homeland. The
News of July 17 quoted him as saying there were confirmed intelligence reports,
revealing the MQM plans. The map of the planned country was also discovered
during the operation, he claimed.
On Oct 11, 1992 Jang Lahore ran a story filed by its reporter Azhar Sohail which
talked of the Army high command providing documentary evidence to the
government that the MQM was planning to create an independent state called
Jinnahpur comprising Hyderabad, Thatta, Badin, Karachi and all those areas of
upper Sindh that are oil rich.
The report said the corps commander meeting in a recent meeting discussed the
issue and decided to provide all the material to the government. Politician Meraj
Muhammad Khan was reported to have said on Oct 12, 1992 that the Jinnahpur
map issue is a fraud.
A day later, Shaheen Sehbai, who is presently GroupEditor of The News,
reported for Dawn “A House losing its temper” and wrote in his Press Gallery,
“The opposition was pressing for a debate on Jinnahpur, the supposed brainchild
of the MQM to separate Urdu-speaking areas from Pakistan.”
The same day The News reported the voting out of NAmotion by the treasury
benches on Jinnahpur. The News also reported the then deputy opposition
leader Farooq Leghari to have said the prime minister (Nawaz Sharif) was
involved in the Jinnahpur conspiracy and claimed that the government opposed
motion on the issue because it did not want to go into details.
Dawn on Oct 14, 1992 carried MQM Chief Altaf Hussain’s statement in which he
called for a Supreme Court probe to investigate thecharges of Jinnahpur against
the MQM. The same newspaper reported on Oct 15 about two separate
adjournment motions moved by the PDA and Jamaat-e-Islami members to
discuss the Jinnahpur conspiracy.
In a press conference on Oct 17, the then key minister of Nawaz regime
Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said Jinnahpur plot did notexist. “The government
would not allow anyone to subvert the rights of Muhajirs. It is baseless that we
have ever discussed the creation of the so-called Jinnahpur with the MQM,” he
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was quoted to have said. Nisar also dispelled the impression that the whole
MQM was a terrorist organisation and insisted the good and bad people were in
every party.
He asked Altaf Hussain to respond to the allegations levelled against his party.
The same day ANP Chief Ajmal Khattak said there is no truth in the reports that
the MQM had planned anything to break Pakistan or to establish Jinnahpur.
October 19 newspapers carry ISPR press release, conveying Army’s denial of the
knowledge of the Jinnahpur plan.
“The Army had no evidence concerning the so-called Jinnahpur plan, it is
clarified that the newspaper story in question is baseless. The Army has neither
handed over to the government any document or map as reported, not is it in
possession of any evidence concerning the so-called‘Jinnahpur’ plan.
It is also factually wrong that the matter was discussed at any meeting of the
corps commander.” But the same day Benazir Bhutto in a statement in the
National Assembly said the government was consciously covering up the
Jinnahpur conspiracy and is backing up the MQM fromday one.
Nawa-e-Waqt quoted her as saying the motive of the organisation (MQM) is to
create a separate homeland with the support of India. She demanded of the
removal of Nawaz Sharif from the government for supporting, abetting and
financing the dismemberment of Pakistan. She said it was of no use to blame
Altaf Hussain. “His partner, supporter and guide Nawaz Sharif must go,” The
News reported on October 19.
The same day the then-interior minister Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain was reported
to have said in the National Assembly a day before that Jinnahpur is a non-issue
and the brainchild of the PPP. Farooq Leghari, however, demanded judicial
probe into the plot and contended that disclosure of the Jinnahpur plot had
exposed the MQM’s anti-state activities which needed further investigations.
Shaheen Sehbai in Dawn’s “From Press Gallery” wroteon October 19,
“Jinnahpur is all fiction”. “Including the opposition leader, Benazir Bhutto, could
hardly produce anything about the much trumpeted Jinnahpur beyond
newspaper clippings or a reported statement of an Army spokesman made in
front of a team of Islamabad journalists. Even thatwas said to have been denied
by the Army,” wrote Sehbai.
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The News of Oct 19 also quoted Asif Ali Zardari to have desiring action against
Jinnahpur planners. “Zardari said the denial of theplan made by the leader of
the Islami Jamhoori Ittehad was meaningless,” the newspaper read.
In his report “The last refuge of a scoundrel”, Nusrat Javed, senior journalist,
wrote in The News on Oct 19, “A military spokesman,Brigadier Haroon, told
this to a group of newsmen visiting Karachi in mid-July that there were
confirmed intelligence reports that some of the MQMleaders were trying to
create a separate state. This correspondent was present at the Army briefing in
Karachi where such allegations were made and one reported about them like the
rest of the newsmen present. Reference to Haroon’s allegations demands another
simple answer, i.e., whether the Nawaz government agrees to the perception
expressed by a senior Army officer?”
Tariq Butt of The News on October 19 also reported of Benazir Bhutto’s accusing
the government of cover-up. “When Interior MinisterChaudhry Shujaat Hussain
described the Jinnahpur conspiracy as a dangerous figment of the PDA’s
imagination, opposition MNAs accused the governmentof being a party to the
plot,” the story filed by Butt read.
The same day Nawa-e-Waqt ran a story quoting Benazir Bhutto to have said the
Army had uncovered the Jinnahpur conspiracy but thegovernment was silent on
the issue. Dawn on October 21, 1992 reported Altaf Hussain to have been
praising the government. The report headlined, “Altaf hails govt for exposing
Jinnahpur”. According to the report, the MQM chief said the government (of
Nawaz Sharif) and its agencies in the same effective manner should display a
positive attitude to review the baseless allegations levelled against the MQM to
bring about an improvement in the present constitutional and political crises,
particularly in Sindh.”
Oct 21, 1992 Jang published a story based on Asif Ali Zardari’s statement that
was though appeared conflicting with the PPP stanceat that time, suits today’s
politics of the PPP and the MQM. The newspaper reported Mr Zardari to have
said in a court premises in Karachi that the Jinnahpur scandal was created to
malign the MQM.
The same day Dawn reported Farooq Leghari to have been refuting the
government’s claim that Jinnahpur was a figment of imagination of the PPP. He
also demanded constitution of a high-powered commission headed by the chief
justice of Pakistan and comprising all the four high court chief justices to look
into the matter.
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Several years later on December 14, 1998 The News carried a statement of Altaf
Hussain on the same issue. Altaf Hussain demanded probe into reports about
Jinnahpur and said the separate Jinnahpur state allegations was a well-planned
conspiracy which was used as a message for the Muhajir community that they
would continue to be victimized if they did not demand a separate state.
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MQM killed 650+ Sind Police Officers
By Dr Shahid Qureshi.
Few years ago I asked Shoib Shuddle former of Director General of Intelligence
Bureau and Inspector General Police at a reception in London.’what is your input
about the cold blooded targeted killings of Sindh Police officers who took part in
the ‘operation’ ordered by Benazir Bhutto’ in 1995.He acknowledged the fact
that there was a problem. Though police in Pakistanis known for its brutality but
it is also true it is under resourced and ill trained but they are still managing?
MQM is a mercenary group whose HQ is in London and possibility of its leader
to go to Pakistan is Zero? It exaggerate everythingno doubt death one person is
too many but their claim that 25000 MQM workers disappeared is the extreme.
Where is the list of those 25000 people and where are they buried? MQM is in
power for the past 10 years consecutively why did they not investigate these
killings? Why Altaf Hussain never thought of askingfor a judicial enquiry into
the Karachi Operation in 1992?
The South Africa branch of MQM and its activities are very suspicious especially
the Nishtar Park – Karachi terrorist incident when whole leadership of Sunni
Tehreek was eliminated. According reliable sources that to those who examined
and conducted post-mortems of the bodies found bullet marks and some of them
were shot in head. It seems that cause of death wasbullets then shrapnel’s of
bomb explosion? According to a source that people who were involved in this
terror might have been provided safe passage to South Africa? It is reported that
the whole operation was monitored by a MQM leader from a minority group? It
seems a case of targeted killings. Only a high powered judicial investigation into
this act can expose the crime.
It is alarming that MQM members have been issued arms licences in thousands
and Rehman Malik interior minister allegedly issuedapproximately 2000 permits
of AK47. Some members of MQM recently absconded from (apart from being on
ECL) Pakistan and came to London were allegedly involved in arms trafficking
from Baluchistan.
Late Benzair Bhutto “condemned the killings of 650 police officers and said, my
thoughts are with families of those killed in the line of duty.
I asked late Benazir Bhutto at dinner in London fewyears ago to comment on the
targeted killings on reportedly more then 650 police officers in Karachi. Most of
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them killed had taken part in the Karachi Operationconducted by the PPP
government. Ms Bhutto, “condemned the killings of police officers and said, my
thoughts are with families of those killed in the line of duty. She demanded that
(Musharaf) government should brought killer/ terrorists to justice and protects
the men doing their job and following orders”. Somepeople say that MQM is
more dangerous then any terrorist organisation’.
After September 11, the United States identified even more with the MQM as it
was the only party in Pakistan that widely mourned the attacks on the US,
openly condemned the Taliban and al-Qaeda, and launched a powerful
campaign in support of the US attack on Afghanistan. MQM has been the only
party to support the military’s intervention in thetribal areas.
Asia Times Online reported, ‘sources say that, ‘only US diplomatic intervention
stopped Musharaf from taking strong action against the MQM after he received
the report on the recent unrest in which the MQM was implicated. Washington
indeed has a powerful southern ally (MQM) in Pakistan’.
It is time for the government of Pakistan to approach its friends and allies to have
a clear cut answers about the real Agenda in Pakistan? Crimes of Altaf Hussain
and his party MQM are so heinous that he couldn’t dare going back to Karachi
even the whole period of Musharaf and now Zardari rule?
Until November 1998 Government of Pakistan was reportedly seeking
extradition of Altaf Hussain was wanted in 50 murders and 150 cases of
kidnapping and arson. Altaf Hussain, a trained pharmacist who has been living
in England since 1992. ‘If extradited to Pakistan he will be killed’, said Altaf
Hussain in an interview with a newspaper in 1998. “It is my wish that they take
me to trial in a British court,” said Mr Hussain. “Then I will tell people nationally
and internationally what has been happening in Pakistan.”
Pakistan seems land of the holy men where people are forgiving each other for
breaking all laws corruption, extortion, murders, kidnapping and anti state
activities including violation of the constitution.Why and how can individuals
do that? A senior journalist said, ‘President (AsifZardari) and Prime Ministers
(Yousaf Gillaini) House is subcontracted to RichardHolbrok, Raiwind Palace
(Nawaz Sharif) is to Mark Lyal Grant and David Milliband. Altaf Hussain is
already a British Citizen an asset whom so social services can handle? This is
how a country of 180 million, a nuclear power perceived internationally?
Altaf Hussain woke up recently and started weeping as if he never knew
anything for the past years about the Karachi operation conducted during
Nawaz Sharif’s premiership? He is woken by the statement of an allegedly
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corrupt foreign mole Brigadier Imtiaz former head of the Intelligence Bureau
who might have lot to answer for the deaths of two Chiefs of Army Staffs
General Ziaul Haq and General Asif Nawaz? He allegedly lured General Zia ul
Haq to attend that Tank demonstration in Bahawalpurwhile his friend Major
General Mahmood Ali Durani planted the toxic mango crates?
In reality this awakening is linked with the judicial enquiry into the killings of
12th May 2007 and brutal murders of judiciary activist? This is brining sleepless
nights? What happened to Major Kaleem of the Pakistan army is still an open file
as well as the systematic targeted killings of morethan 670 police officers who
took part in operations against MQM? This is what making Altaf Hussain do live
telephonic speeches otherwise there are many daily flights to Karachi and being
a dual citizen he has no restrictions?
A senior London based analyst wrote in a Journal recently, “It is no coincidence
that Asif Zardari- PPP swore in two MQM Ministers in the federal cabinet the
day the party submitted its draft for 18th Amendment (provincial autonomy) to
the Constitution. The dissolution of the federationand creation of a Mohajiristan
in Sindh is the ultimate objective of the proposed amendment. The two parties
represent hostile Indo-US interests; they want to weaken federal authority and
incorporate right of secession in the constitution to facilitate the break-up of
Pakistan. The PPP has indeed been a symbol of federal unity until AZ took over.
Now it is an instrument of the policies of the enemies of Pakistan.”
“Dr. Farooq Sattar is the one who drafted this billwith mala fide motive in order
to make proper political arrangement in the long run for the formation of an
Urdu speaking state known as REPUBLIC OF JINNAHPUR as proposed by one
MQM Activist – Syed Jamaluddin – based in Europe. Syed Jamaluddin has
proposed in his said book that Jinnahpur shall comeinto being exactly in the
same manner as KOSOVO few years ago. Please note that Kosovo was an
autonomous province of Serbia. Hence, if MQM´s Provincial Autonomy Bill is
approved (God forbid), one day the MQM shall declare independence of
Republic of Jinnahpur through a vote in the Sindh Assembly exactly in the same
manner as the Kosovo Assembly in February 2008.
Dr. Farooq Sattar has been appointed the Minister for Overseas Pakistanis to
pursue MQM’s agenda of bringing foreign investment into Karachi which will be
portrayed as DUBAI and SINGAPORE of the future as outlined in the same book
“FORMATION OF REPUBLIC OF JINNAHPUR” by MQM Activist SYED
JAMALUDDIN. The script of the book was approved by the MQM leaders in
London prior to its publication as part of MQM´s policy to blackmail Pakistan’s
establishment including the Pakistan Army.
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In TV interviews, representatives of MQM have darkly warned that unless their
Bill for Provincial Autonomy is passed, Pakistan’s disintegration shall remain on
the cards. This is indeed an open threat. (See www.dividepakistan.blogspot.com
for the web site of the Indian agent and MQM spokesman Syed Jamauddin.)”
MQM has crossed the lines of terror, corruption andextortion. All political
prisoners should be released on merit not used as blackmail?
(Dr Shahid Qureshi is award wining journalist and writer on foreign policy &
security based in London)
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Judge orders deportation of Pakistani party chief
The head of the Quebec branch of a Pakistani political party is facing
deportation after the Federal Court of Canada ruledhe belonged to an
organization that committed terrorism.
By National Post July 18, 2007
The head of the Quebec branch of a Pakistani political party is facing deportation
after the Federal Court of Canada ruled he belongedto an organization that
committed terrorism.
The judge upheld the deportation of Mohammed KashifOmer, a resident of
Montreal, on the grounds he is a member of the Mothaidda Quami Movement, or
MQM.
It is the second time this year Canadian courts have ruled the MQM party meets
the legal definition of a terrorist organization.
Mr. Omer is one of dozens of Pakistanis whom Canadian immigration
authorities are trying to deport because of their involvement in the MQM.
Despite being blamed for the kidnapping, torture and murder of its political
rivals in Pakistan, the MQM has opened a Canadian branch called MQM-Canada.
Members of the group have worked on Conservative election campaigns, met
Prime Minister Stephen Harper and recently hosted aconference in Calgary.
Conservative MP Art Hanger spoke at the June 8-10 MQM Canada convention,
which was attended by several Pakistanis who are being deported for their
alleged involvement in terrorism. Mr. Hanger said he did not support the group.
Conservative MLA Shiraz Shariff also attended. He said yesterday he was
unaware Canadian courts had deemed the MQM a terrorist organization. “Why
are we as a nation then allowing them to have a congregation here?” he said.
Among the speakers at the convention was Mr. Omer, who presented a report on
the “achievements and future strategy” of the Montreal office of MQM,
according to the group’s Web Site.
93
Mr. Omer has no immigration status in Canada. A Canada Border Services
Agency spokesman, Erik Paradis, said the court ruling means that the
deportation order against Mr. Omer is now in effect.
The MQM is a Pakistani political party that is partof President Pervez
Musharraf’s ruling coalition. The Canadian MQM branch has never been accused
of illegal activities but in Pakistan the party hasbeen blamed for widespread
violence, most recently in May when gunfights between the MQM and anti-government demonstrators left more than 40 dead.
MQM officials deny any role in attacks and say theyare victims of
misinformation spread by Pakistani authorities. Canada’s Security Intelligence
Review Committee has been looking into complaints from MQM members that
immigration authorities have unfairly branded them as terrorists.
Mr. Omer came to Canada in 1998 and was granted refugee status but in 2005
immigration officials said he could not remain in Canada “because he knowingly
and for a long period of time belonged to an organization that has engaged in
terrorism.”
In Pakistan, Mr. Omer had been a member of the MQM and its student wing
from 1987 to 1998. He denied any involvement with the MQM in Canada but
eventually acknowledged he was in charge of the MQM’s Quebec office.
The Immigration and Refugee Board said “Mr. Omer’s reasons for trying to hide
that, in Canada, he is responsible for the Montrealsection of the MQM-Canada
lead me to believe that he knew that his party was committing many violent
acts.”
He appealed the decision to the Federal Court, arguing that the MQM is not a
terrorist organization and that the violence was committed by rogue elements in
the party, but the court was not convinced.
94
PTI’s white paper: MQM accused of killing thousands
The Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI) on Monday issued a white paper against
Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and urged the government to make it clear
whether it was a political group or a gang of terrorists.
PTI general secretary Air Martial (r) Shahid Javaid, and Punjab PTI president
Ehsan Rashid and general secretary Amin Zaki, whileissuing the white paper at
a press conference, alleged that the MQM was involved in former Sindh
governor Hakim Saeed’s murder. They also accused the MQM of killing SHOs
Bahadur Ali and Imdad Khatian, DSP Bashir Ahmad Noorani (from Sukkur),
five relatives of DSP Nisar Khawaja, DSP Tanoli, Journalist Muhammad
Salahuddin, Azim Ahmad Tariq, Zohair Akram Nadeem, Pir Pagaro’s son-in-law
Salim Malik and KESC chairman Malik Shahid Hamid.
They alleged that the MQM also kidnapped and killeda number of Steel Mills
employees in 1990.
The PTI leaders said that the MQM had even politicised the observation of the
Kashmir day on February 5 and distributed booklets and pamphlets against
Pakistan in the UN headquarters in Geneva in 1996-97.
The PTI leaders alleged that the ‘MQM terrorists’ killed many foreigners,
including US embassy officials in Karachi.
They alleged that the MQM destroyed 475 vehicles, 20 banks, 102 houses, 95
shops, two telephone exchanges, 20 offices of different political parties, 12 petrol
pumps, two factories, four police stations and various government offices during
the last 12 years. The PTI leaders said that the PTI was collecting evidences
against the MQM which the party chief Imran Khan would present before the
court at the time of the hearing of cases against Altaf Hussain in London. staff
report
95
Running Karachi - from London
Isambard Wilkinson and Damien McElroy
14 May 2007
The man in charge of Pakistan’s largest city, Karachi, was at his usual command-and-control post at the weekend: a sofa in north London.
As his fiefdom descended into brutal violence, withthe deaths of at least 40
people reported amid the worst political bloodshed Pakistan has witnessed in
years, Altaf Hussain directed his followers by telephone from a safe place more
than 5,000 miles away.
His headquarters, or “international secretariat”, is not in the Pakistani port city
but housed in a red-brick office block opposite a supermarket on Edgware High
Street.
Followers of Mr Hussain, 53, whose Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) is
allied to President Pervez Musharraf’s government, were accused yesterday of
playing a bloody part in the clashes with opposition supporters.
But in an interview with The Daily Telegraph, Mr Hussain insisted that they held
a “completely peaceful gathering” and that it was opposition supporters who
provoked the violence, in which at least nine MQM activists were killed. When
reports of the killings reached Edgware on Saturdaymorning, Mr Hussain was
preparing to address the party by telephone. Three hours later, he defied what he
called “agitators” by leaning over the loudspeaker of his phone to speak to his
supporters.
Opposition activists loyal to Benazir Bhutto were staging their own anti-government rally when the violence began.
But Mr Hussain said: “It was a completely peaceful gathering by MQM
supporters that was targeted by a collaboration of three other parties.”
He said he had called for peace. But as tens of thousands of his followers sat
cross-legged in reverential silence as they listened to their leader’s telephonic
address relayed by loudspeakers, in another street armed MQM activists fired
directly into the crowds of opposition protesters.
Mr Hussain, who founded the MQM in 1984 specifically to represent the
Mohajirs - Muslim refugees from India - has lived in Britian since arriving in
96
1992 for a kidney operation. He has since become a British citizen, while his
party governs five cities and the populous Sind province.
He claimed yesterday that his party is the only force to stand up for secular
values in Pakistan. “MQM is the only party against all sorts of religious
fanaticism in Pakistan,” he said. “It is these groups and their influence, which is
all around, that is stopping me coming home. A sizeable majority of the army
even have been brainwashed to supporting what the Taliban wants to impose.”
Mr Hussain, who spent part of yesterday speaking onthe telephone to Gen
Musharraf, warned Pakistan’s leader not to make anydeals with exiled leaders,
such as his rival Miss Bhutto, that would see the military ruler resign from the
army.
Pakistan faces a referendum on Gen Musharraf’s rulebefore the end of the year
and he has promised to abandon his uniform before the poll.
“The situation in South Asia does not allow Pervez Musharraf to take off his
uniform, for without it he will have no power at all. Because of activities next
door in Afghanistan as well as our own country, theTaliban is growing very
strong,” Mr Hussaid said.
“He is doing his level best to fight these groups. Musharraf is a very brave man.
Only he can prevent the Talibanisation of Pakistan.”
Unlike the former prime ministers Nawaz Sharif and Miss Bhutto, Mr Hussain is
an exile whose party has consolidated its grip. ButKarachi remains tense.
The MQM’s most senior leader in Pakistan, Farooq Sattar, said: “The opposition
wants to show that Karachi does not belong to the MQM. We have accepted the
challenge.”
Mr Hussain is one of the Indian subcontinent’s moreunusual leaders. His
political addresses by telephone have been known tolast up to four hours, while
a Western diplomat in Pakistan described the MQM as“something out of
Chicago - nobody leaves the party”.
While Mr Hussain promotes the party as a secular cause and courts the middle-class vote, his supporters are known to extort a goonda, or thug, tax from
Karachi businesses.
Mr Hussain, who once drove a taxi in Chicago for a living, micro-manages the
MQM with acute attention to detail.
97
The movement runs on Greenwich Mean Time with his ministers in Pakistan
fielding hour-long telephone calls into the early hours.
Mr Sattar admitted that his party’s image had been tarnished by “accusations of
fascism and terrorism” but said this was a “misperception”.
Some observers argue that in the tough city of Karachi the MQM has given a
vulnerable group protection and a voice.
After Mr Hussain left Pakistan, an army operation was launched against his
party during which hundreds of its workers were either killed by police or were
arrested on charges of terrorism. He has no plans to return to Pakistan.
When asked why Mr Hussain was not deported to Pakistan before he was
granted citizenship, a British diplomat said: “He has not committed a crime on
British soil.”
98
THE MOHAJIR QAUMI MOVEMENT (MQM) IN KARACHI
JANUARY 1995-APRIL 1996
November 1996
Disclaimer
4. HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSES BY THE MQM
Sources indicate that many political parties and groups in Karachi maintain
armed militias (AI Feb. 1996, 22; The Herald Dec. 1994a, 34), and that “none of
the militias reportedly hesitate to commit human rights abuses” to further
political or criminal objectives (AI Feb. 1996, 22). While both MQM factions have
repeatedly denied that their members are involved in human rights abuses in
Karachi[6] (IPS 8 Dec. 1995; AI Feb. 1996, 22; Country Reports 1995 1996, 1335;
Jang 31 Jan. 1996, qtd. in India Abroad 9 Feb. 1996, 10), human rights monitors
and knowledgeable observers in Karachi indicate that MQM members have used
violence to further their political ends (AI Feb. 1996, 22; Country Reports 1995
1996, 1335; HRW 1995, 166; The Herald Oct. 1995a, 46; ibid. May 1994a, 30).
According to The Herald, the MQM leadership is “well-informed about which of
its members are involved in [criminal and] terrorist activities” (Oct. 1995a, 46;
ibid. May 1994a, 30), but chooses not to expel thembecause such people are
useful to achieving the party’s short-term goals (ibid.; ibid. May 1994a, 30).
4.1 Violence Against Security Forces
Government, media and human rights sources indicatethat about 225 to 250
Karachi police personnel were killed by militants in 1995 (The Frontier Post 16
Mar. 1996; AFP 28 Feb. 1996; The Herald Jan. 1996a,51; AI Feb. 1996, 23), as were
at least 13 Rangers and 11 military personnel (ibid.). The Herald reports that
most of these law enforcement personnel died in targeted killings rather than in
shoot-outs with militants (Jan. 1996a, 55; ibid. Nov. 1995b, 49). According to
Amnesty International, many were off-duty, unarmed and not in uniform, and
many were abducted and tortured before being killed(AI Feb. 1996, 23). Sources
indicate that many of these were retaliatory or revenge killings (ibid., 24; The
Herald Jan. 1996a, 55). States The Herald: “Each time an MQM activist was killed
[in 1995], the death of a law enforcement official invariably followed, after which
more MQM men were gunned down. That these were vendetta killings is
certain” (Jan. 1996a, 55).
On 18 July 1995, retired police official Raja Mohammad Ishaq “was abducted
from a bus and tortured to death” (AI Feb. 1996, 23; Reuters 18 July 1995). His
body was later found in a car in the Gulbahar area of Karachi (AI Feb. 1996, 23;
Reuters 18 July 1995). In a separate incident on 18July 1995, assistant
99
subinspector Abdul Razzak was shot and killed in Gulbahar (AI Feb. 1996, 23;
Reuters 18 July 1995). According to police he had been abducted, blindfolded
and his hands and feet bound before being shot, after which his body was placed
in a sack and dumped (AI Feb. 1996, 23; Reuters 18 July 1995). A note found on
the body reportedly stated “anyone who confronts uswill meet the same fate”
(AI Feb. 1996, 23; Reuters 18 July 1995).
Other state personnel have also been targeted. On 30 September 1995, the bodies
of two airmen from the Korangi airforce base were found on a deserted road in
Korangi (FEER 19 Oct. 1995a, 24). The men had been abducted at gunpoint and
then bound, gagged and shot in the head at point-blank range (ibid.). Colleagues
of the slain men reportedly stated their regulationshort haircuts had identified
them as military personnel, and they were killed for this reason alone (ibid.).
Military personnel have reportedly been instructed not to wear uniforms when
off duty, and some officials have removed government-issue licence plates from
their cars (ibid.).
Family members of police personnel and government officials have also been
targeted. On 27 September 1995, two adult sons and the guard of Karachi police
superintendent Kazi Abdul Rashid were killed when their car was ambushed
outside their home in Central district (AI Feb. 1995, 24; FEER 19 Oct. 1995b, 28;
AFP 27 Sept. 1995; AP 27 Sept. 1995). The driver and a second guard were
seriously wounded in the attack (AFP 27 Sept. 1995;Reuters 27 Sept. 1995). On 15
October 1995, five family members of Karachi policedeputy superintendent
Khawaja Nisar were shot and killed by gunmen in their North Nazimabad home
(AI Feb. 1995, 24; AFP 15 Oct. 1995; AP 15 Oct. 1995; Reuters 15 Oct. 1995). Nisar,
who was not home at the time, had reportedly escaped an earlier rocket attack on
his house (AFP 15 Oct. 1995). Police speculated this latest attack was in
retaliation for the custodial deaths five days earlier of MQM activist Fahim
Farooqi and his three colleagues (see subsection 4.4) (ibid.; AP 15 Oct. 1995). Also
killed on 15 October 1995 were a Karachi police officer, the brother of a
murdered Central district PPP official, and Ahmed Ali Soomro, a former advisor
to the Sindh chief minister (AFP 15 Oct. 1995; AP 15 Oct. 1995; Reuters 15 Oct.
1995).
One person was killed and eight to ten people injured, most family members of
police officers, in a 13 November 1995 mid-morning attack on a police station
and adjacent housing compound in the Garden East area of South district (AFP
13 Nov. 1995; AP 13 Nov. 1995; DPA 13 Nov. 1995; Reuters 13 Nov. 1995;
Country Reports 1995 1996, 1336). Militants hidden on the rooftops of adjacent
buildings fired five to ten rocket-propelled grenades at the complex, followed by
heavy automatic weapons fire, in a 20-minute gun battle in which one militant
was killed (AFP 13 Nov. 1995; AP 13 Nov. 1995; DPA 13 Nov. 1995; Reuters 13
100
Nov. 1995). Police blamed the MQM for the attack (AFP 13 Nov. 1995; AP 13 Nov.
1995), which one official described as a “serious security breach” (Reuters 13 Nov.
1995). Rangers cordoned off the neighbourhood and conducted a house-to-house
search for the remaining attackers (DPA 13 Nov. 1995); one source reports that
“at least” 100 people were detained for questioning(Reuters 13 Nov. 1995).
On 23 November 1995, Ehsan Ali Shah, the apoliticalyounger brother of Sindh
Chief Minister Abdullah Shah, and his friend and driver, were killed near his
home in Karachi’s Federal B Area (AI Feb. 1996, 24;The Herald Jan. 1996a, 55;
Country Reports 1995 1996, 1336). Two days earlier the Urdu daily Takbeer had
reportedly quoted an MQM source as stating that oneof Shah’s relatives would
soon be killed (AI Feb. 1996, 24).
Many of the unidentified and mutilated bodies foundin gunny sacks in Karachi
in 1995 had notes attached declaring them to be police informants (ibid.; AP 27
Sept. 1995). On 14 August 1995, 14 people were killed in Karachi (The Herald
Aug. 1995a, 27; The New York Times 15 Aug. 1995; The Guardian 15 Aug. 1995).
The blindfolded and bullet-riddled bodies of six ofthe dead were found in the
back of a minibus (The New York Times 15 Aug. 1995;JEN 15 Aug. 1995); one
body was reportedly stuffed in a sack clutching a note stating “‘a gift for Interior
Minister Gen. Nasirullah Babar and the fate of an informer’“ (AI Feb. 1996, 24;
JEN 15 Aug. 1995). The mutilated body of another suspected police informant
bearing a note with the message “a gift for Nasrullah Babaar” was found on 27
September 1995 (AP 27 Sept. 1995).
4.2 Violence Against Party Dissidents, Political Opponents and the Press
Sources indicate that members of both MQM factions abducted, tortured and
killed members of the rival faction in 1995 (AI Feb. 1996, 26-28; Country Reports
1995 1996, 1337; Asian Survey Nov. 1995, 1003; AFP 21 Mar. 1995). After 30
months of official patronage the MQM(H) was “more or less dumped” when the
military withdrew from Karachi on 30 November 1994 (The Herald Mar. 1995a,
31; ibid. Feb. 1995, 17), and the MQM(A) moved quickly to settle accounts and re-establish its authority in areas such as Nazimabad,Korangi, Pak Colony, Malir,
Faisal Colony, Landhi and New Karachi (ibid. Jan. 1995b, 50; ibid. Feb. 1995, 17;
The Far East and Australasia 1996 1996, 860-61). “What is usually described
ascsniping’ is actually a kind of gang war,” reported The Herald in early 1995,
with the Haqiqis “gradually losing the battle” (Jan. 1995b, 50; ibid. Feb. 1995, 17;
ibid. Mar. 1995a, 31). While the MQM(A) leadership has reportedly characterized
its anti-MQM(H) campaign as a drive to “purge the party of terrorist elements”
(The Herald Oct. 1995a, 46), one source notes that extortion is a “major source of
revenue” for both factions, and the fighting is sometimes about “who gets a
bigger piece of the pie” (AFP 21 Mar. 1995).
101
On 13 February 1995, five teenage MQM(H) activists were killed and three
wounded in a drive-by shooting in front of party offices in Nazimabad (The
Herald Mar. 1995b, 31; DPA 14 Feb. 1995; AFP 14 Feb. 1995). Within 24 hours
three MQM(A) activists were reportedly killed, as were another two MQM
Haqiqis (The Herald Mar. 1995b, 31; AFP 14 Feb. 1995). On 12 March 1995, 12 or
13 MQM(H) activists were killed in Pak Colony, in Karachi’s West district (The
Herald Mar. 1995a, 27; ibid. Mar. 1995b, 31; AI Feb. 1996, 27; AFP 21 Mar. 1995;
AFP 18 Jan. 1996). Six or seven of the activists were killed in a “gunbattle” at an
MQM(H) “command centre” (AI Feb. 1996, 27; The Herald Mar. 1995b, 31; The
New York Times 13 Mar. 1995), which was subsequently searched and set afire
(ibid.), and the remainder were reportedly located and killed after the gunmen
conducted a house-to-house search in the area (The Herald Mar. 1995b, 31).
MQM(H) offices in Landhi, in East district, were attacked with automatic
weapons and rocket-propelled grenades on 17 January1996, allegedly by
MQM(A) militants (AI Feb. 1996, 27; AFP 18 Jan. 1996). The MQM(H) claims that
95 party workers were killed by MQM(A) militants in1995 (AI Feb. 1996, 27).
The MQM(H) was also responsible for attacks on MQM(A) activists; according to
the HRCP, at least seven female MQM(A) workers wereraped by MQM(H)
activists in 1995 (Country Reports 1995 1996, 1337).
Mohajirs who join political parties other than the MQM have been subjected to
violence (UNRISD June 1993, 25; AI Feb. 1996, 25-26), and according to Amnesty
International, “seem to be particularly at risk” (ibid., 25). Amnesty International
spoke to several mohajir PPP members who claim to have been harassed,
threatened, beaten and had property destroyed by MQM activists in 1995 (Feb.
1996, 25-26). Government figures provided to Amnesty International indicate
that 10 mohajir PPP members were killed in the four-month period 1 June 1995 to
30 September 1995 in West district alone (ibid., 26). Official statements, media
reports and individual reports indicate that at least 32 PPP members were killed
in Karachi in 1995 (ibid.).
Reports that the MQM uses torture cells against political opponents and party
dissidents have been around for years (Human Rightsin Developing Countries
Yearbook 1994 1994, 305; AI Dec. 1993, 38-40; ibid.5 Apr. 1994), and continued in
1995 (ibid. Feb. 1996, 26-27; The Herald July 1995b, 31-32, 35; Reuters 8 Jan. 1995;
ibid. 8 June 1995). One alleged MQM-run torture cell was uncovered in a 22 July
1995 police and Rangers operation in Gulbahar, Central district (AI Feb. 1996, 26;
The Herald July 1995b, 31; DPA 23 July 1995). Journalists taken to the site hours
later reported seeing ropes, electric cables and blood-stained floors; area
residents claimed the site had been occupied by militant youths ten days earlier
and reported seeing blindfolded people being dragged inside (AI Feb. 1996, 25).
Area residents reported the nearby Khajji Grounds, a football field, also had been
used by MQM militants to ill-treat prisoners (ibid., 26; The Herald July 1995b, 35;
102
DPA 23 July 1995). On 1 September 1995 Karachi police uncovered another
alleged MQM(A)-run torture cell, this time in Korangi (Xinhua 3 Sept. 1995). As
in the Gulbahar case journalists were given a tour of the cell, where they saw an
axe, knives, a handgun, an iron chain and a rope, as well as the dried blood,
clothes and jewellery of victims, some of whom police claimed had been tortured
for ransom (ibid.). The cell had reportedly been inoperation for six months, and
was one of several uncovered in Korangi in the previous few weeks (Xinhua 3
Sept. 1995; Moneyclips 8 July 1995; AFP 6 July 1995).
Reporters, editors and publishers critical of the MQM have been threatened and
attacked by MQM activists in recent years (Human Rights in Developing
Countries Yearbook 1994 1994, 308; AI Feb. 1996, 22, 25; IPS 17 Mar. 1996). On 4
December 1994 Mohammad Salahuddin, editor of the Urdu weekly, Takbeer,
was shot and killed outside his office in Karachi (AI 13 Dec. 1994; AI Jan. 1995, 32;
AI Feb. 1996, 25; Asian Survey Feb. 1995, 144; The Herald Dec. 1994b, 38-39).
Salahuddin had been highly critical of both the MQM(AI 13 Dec. 1994; AI Jan.
1995, 32; AI Feb. 1996, 25; The Herald Dec. 1994b, 39) and the PPP (ibid.), and in
late 1991 had reportedly had his office ransacked and house set on fire by MQM
activists (AI 13 Dec. 1994; ibid. Jan. 1995, 32; ibid. Feb. 1996, 25).
4.3 Alleged Violence Against Other Ethnic Groups
Sources indicate that members of certain ethnic groups in Karachi were
deliberately targeted and killed in 1995 (ibid., 26; DPA 2 Nov. 1995), but
determining responsibility for these killings is often “impossible” (AI Feb. 1996,
26, 28; AFP 21 Mar. 1995). According to Amnesty International, the killings may
be intended to “create, maintain or spread a climate of fear” in Karachi (AI Feb.
1996, 23).
On 3 August 1995, the day after the killings of Farooq Putney and three other
MQM workers in an alleged encounter with police near Karachi’s airport (see
subsection 4.4), 22 to 27 people were killed in what police described as MQM
“revenge killings” (AI Feb. 1996, 24; AFP 4 Aug. 1995; The Herald Aug. 1995a, 27;
AP 3 Aug. 1995a; DPA 3 Aug. 1995). Twelve of the dead were found in a minibus
in Orangi, where they had been blindfolded, had their wrists tied and been killed
with shots to the head and chest (AI Feb. 1996, 24;AFP 4 Aug. 1995; AP 3 Aug.
1995a; DPA 3 Aug. 1995). Police initially said the 12 victims appeared to have
been chosen at random (AP 3 Aug. 1995a; ibid. 3 Aug. 1995b; AFP 4 Aug. 1995),
but later claimed the dead were Punjabis and Sindhis killed by the MQM on
suspicion of being police informants (AI Feb. 1996,24). The MQM has denied
responsibility for the 12 minibus killings, reportedly stating they were “the work
of someone bent on fanning ethnic violence in Karachi” (The Herald Aug. 1995a,
28; DPA 3 Aug. 1995).
103
Another incident reportedly involving the MQM was the 2 November 1995
slaying of 15 Seraiki-speaking labourers from southern Punjab province in a
house in Samanabad, Federal B Area (AI Feb. 1996, 26; DPA 2 Nov. 1995). The
labourers were blindfolded, lined up against a walland shot, and a note saying
“a gift for Naseerullah Babar” left with the bodies(ibid.). Hundreds of Sindhis
reportedly fled Gulbahar in July 1995 after MQM militants took control of the
area and began targeting them (AI Feb. 1996, 26). One source indicates that
Pathans and Baluchis, fed up with having their property destroyed by MQM
gunmen, sometimes abduct, torture and kill mohajirswho stray into their
neighbourhoods (The Ottawa Citizen 4 July 1995).
4.4 Abuses Against Ordinary Citizens and Mohajirs
Most political parties and factions in Karachi collect bhatta (protection money)
from businessmen, shopkeepers, traders and ordinarycitizens (AI Feb. 1996, 22;
Freedom Review Mar.-Apr. 1996, 40; The Herald Mar. 1995d, 40a-40c), which
they use to arm and maintain their militias (AI Feb. 1996, 22). An “age-old”
practice in Karachi and other parts of Pakistan, bhatta collection reportedly
became “much more deadly and organized” in the late1980s and early 1990s
when “the MQM and some PPP activists [came to] the forefront of this practice”
(The Herald Mar. 1995d, 40b; Human Rights in Developing Countries Yearbook
1994 1994, 303). The practice became especially prevalent in Central and East
districts, where it was considered a “routine affair,” with party goondas
(musclemen) approaching people at their residences (The Herald Mar. 1995d,
40b). Money is extorted at gunpoint or with threats(AI Feb. 1996, 22; The Herald
Mar. 1995d, 40b), and those who refuse to pay are beaten and their businesses or
property damaged (ibid.). While bhatta is collectedby both MQM factions in
Karachi (AFP 21 Mar. 1995; The Herald Mar. 1995d, 40a-40c; Country Reports
1995 1996, 1335; HRW 1995, 166), the Haqiqi factionhas acquired “notoriety” in
the practice (The Herald Mar. 1995d, 40c; HRW 1995,166; also see subsection 6.1).
Sources indicate that MQM activists restricted Karachiites’ freedom of movement
in 1995 (AFP 4 July 1995; The Herald Nov. 1994a, 62). MQM militants erected
barricades, blocked roads with burning vehicles andestablished checkpoints to
prevent security forces personnel and activists of rival factions from entering
MQM-controlled areas (AFP 4 July 1995; The Herald Nov. 1994a, 62). Residents
reportedly could not pass without being spoken for by another resident (AFP 4
July 1995), and the checkpoints in some areas were impassable at night (ibid.;
The Herald Nov. 1994a, 62). Large parts of predominantly mohajir areas such as
Orangi township, a “rabbit warren of unplanned lanes and alleys, with only one
road running through it” (AFP 18 Feb. 1996), and Korangi township (The Herald
Nov. 1994a, 62), were “virtual no-go zone[s] for the rest of the city’s residents,”
and off-limits even to heavily armed convoys of police and Rangers, especially
after dark (AFP 18 Feb. 1996; The Herald Nov. 1994a, 62; The Ottawa Citizen 4
104
July 1995). Parts of Karachi were reportedly “in a state of complete paralysis,”
with residents unable to return home after sundown because of heavy fighting
between the MQM(A) and MQM(H), and between both factions and the police
(The Herald Nov. 1994a, 62; AFP 18 Feb. 1996; Reuters 1 Oct. 1995).
The MQM called “at least” 25 strikes in Karachi in 1995 (ibid. 18 Apr. 1996; AFP
21 Jan. 1996; Reuters 4 Jan. 1996; Country Reports 1995 1996, 1336, 1345), and at
least seven in the first four months of 1996 (Reuters 18 Apr. 1996), most to protest
harassment, arrest, torture and extrajudicial executions of party activists (AFP 21
Jan. 1996; Reuters 7 July 1995; AFP 24 Aug. 1995; Reuters 17 Feb. 1996). Although
compliance with MQM-sponsored strikes was ostensibly voluntary (Reuters 3
Sept. 1995), MQM activists enforced them with violence and the threat of
violence (Country Reports 1995 1996, 1336, 1345; AFP 10 Sept. 1995; Reuters 14
Mar. 1996), attacking motorists, pedestrians and businesses that tried to remain
open (Country Reports 1995 1996, 1345). Fear of MQM-sponsored violence often
prevented many Karachiites “from leaving their homes to go to work, schools,
and the market” (ibid.; Reuters 4 Jan. 1996).
NOTE
[6] According to Amnesty International, the “confused lines of conflict” enable
Karachi’s feuding ethnic, political and religious groupings and factions to hold
others responsible for abuses (AI Feb. 1996, 28). According to The Herald, the
situation in Karachi has “turned everyone ... into hypocrites” and “even
premeditated and specifically targetted murders areattributed to ‘unidentified
gunmen’“ (July 1995a, 30). “Most people know who isreally responsible for the
carnage in Karachi, but ... political expediency orfear prevents them from
speaking the truth” (ibid.).
