Anti-Pakistan Activities of the MQM Continue Unabated

By Sajjad Shaukat

Patriot Pakistanis had perceived that after the division of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), its leaders would not target the integrity of Pakistan. But, anti-Pakistan activities of the MQM continue unabated.

In this respect, in the recent past, Nadeem Nushrat spokesman of the MQM for the Free Karachi
campaign has allegedly said that the Pakistan Army was carrying out ethnic cleansing of the minority groups through inhuman policies-extrajudicial killings, adopted in Sindh, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Federally-Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and Gilgit Baltistan, including Karachi against the Mohajirs and Hazaras.

Raising false allegations, he also criticized Pakistan’s primary intelligence agency-the Inter-Services intelligence (ISI).

He urged all ethnic and religious minorities in the Pakistan to form a greater alliance against Pakistan’s security agencies.

While pampering America, he stated that the policies of the current US administration have given a new zeal to freedom loving religious and ethnic communities in Pakistan and stated that the Mohajirs were committed to seeing a stable South Asia—they will continue to play their important role in achieving the goal.

Nadeem Nushrat added, “The Mohajir Americans have led the Free Karachi campaign in Washington D.C.—and are tirelessly working to highlight the gross human rights abuses against minorities in Pakistan by its arm and and intelligence agencies.”

However, the statement of Nadeem was giving much coverage by the US-led media some websites which have already started a propaganda campaign against Pakistan, because it is the only nuclear country in the Islamic World. Hence, it has become target of America, India, Israel and some Western countries whose secret agencies have been destabilizing the country. Criticism of Army and ISI is also part of the similar scheme.

In this regard, An American website Business-Stardard.Com, under the caption, “Pakistan Army carrying out ethnic cleansing of minority groups: Nadeem Nusrat” published his statement on March 15, 2018.

Meanwhile, MQM lawmakers, based in Karachi rejected decisions of Muttahida London chapter, saying that “who was Nadeem Nusrat to dictate the party.”

It mentionable that since the Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P) led by Dr. Farooq Sattar severed ties from the party’s International Secretariat in London-MQM, MQM-P continues to suffer turbulence over tug-of-war between Coordination Committee’s London and Karachi chapters, while the party’s MNA Sufyan Yousuf had decided on to resign from National Assembly.

In a major decision, MQM-P has decided to expel Nadeem Nusrat and other London-based leaders of the party.

Nevertheless, based in London, MQM leaders have also foreign connections. In connivance with the external enemies of the country, they leave no stone unturned in creating prejudice among Pashtuns, Balochs, Mohajirs, Gilgiti and Hazaras against the federation of Pakistan, army and ISI.

In this connection, some online sources pointed out that on April 30, 2017, MQM USA Washington DC chapter held a press conference at Comfort Inn Hotel, Springfield, Virginia from 1800–1900 hours. About 8 to 10 individuals attended the conference.

The main theme of the press conference was to distort the image of Pakistan, its army and ISI in order to please the external enemies of the country. Theme included—ISI and Pakistan Military is supporting jihad in the region. Pakistan is the base for terrorism, Ehsanullah Ehsan, a terrorist, is kept in luxurious safe house of ISI.—“We the liberal party, MQM is sentenced in Pakistan, Mohajir’s are facing extra judicial killings, forced disappearances and genocide, illegal ban on Altaf Hussain’s speech and photos.”

Permanent member of the MQM who attended the conference were Kamran Haider, joint Organizer MQM USA, Izhar Khan, Member Central Organizing Committee MQM USA, Shakil Ahmed, Chapter Member, Tariq Khan, Chapter Member and Shahid Khan, Chapter Member.

These online sources also disclosed that on April 30, 2017, MQM USA Chicago Chapter also held a press Conference at MQM office Chicago from 1830-1930 hours. Again, about 6 to 8 Individuals attended the Conference. Shamim Siddiqi, Joint Organizer criticized Pakistan’s role for terrorism. The press conference was attended by the MQM prominent members, which Shamim Siddiqi, Joint Organizer MQM Chicago, Sohail Shams, Member Central Organizing committee MQM Chicago, Farhad Khan, Joint Chapter In charge MQM Chicago and Kamran, Chapter Member. It was organized to make surrender of Ehsan-ullah-Ehsan’s (Laiqat Ali) controversial.

It is notable that addressing his workers on phone from London on August 22, 2016, the MQM chief Altaf Hussain had called for the break-up of Pakistan. He ordered party workers to attack several media houses in Karachi. After his aggressive anti-Pakistan speech, particularly, office of the ARY TV channel was badly destroyed by the MQM mob.

On August 24, 2016, Altaf Hussain’s leaked phone call to MQM exposed foreign connections of the MQM and its chief Altaf Hussain when he asked USA, Indian secret agency RAW and even Israel for help to disintegrate Pakistan.

Various leaders of Pakistan’s political and religious parties including every segment of society and media analysts strongly condemned the anti-Pakistan statements of Altaf Hussain in wake of protest-rallies. Some of them called him traitor. Even, his own party workers condemned Altaf Hussian’s statement.

Meanwhile, MQM MNA Asif Hasnain and several prominent members joined Mustafa Kamal’s Pak Sarzameen Party (PSP). Earlier, knowing the real intentions of Altaf Hussain, several MQM workers joined PSP. Mustaa Kamal strongly condemned the anti-Pakistan statement of Altaf Hussain.

In a press conference MQM leader Farooq Sattar had said that that the MQM was dissociating itself from Altaf Hussain, and now the decisions would be made under his leadership—not from London. MQM leader Farooq Sattar termed Altaf’s Aug 22 anti-Pakistan speech “suicidal” and stated the party in Pakistan had made a huge sacrifice by distancing itself from party chief Altaf Hussain in its “decisions and policies”.

Taking cognizance of the anti-state activities of Altaf Hussain, Dr Farooq Sattar changed the name of the MQM, and named it as Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P). In other words, he made a new party led by him.

Chief of the MQM-P Dr Farooq Sattar welcomed Mohajir Qaumi Movement-Haqiqi (MQM-H) Chairman Afaq Ahmed’s proposal of political reconciliation and said that MQM-P would reject the politics of violence and not let repeat the 90s politics. Several members of the National Assembly, Sindh Assembly, including members and workers joined the MQM-H.

It is mentionable that before the ongoing operation by the Rangers and Police, gang warfare, criminal activities and target killings had taken the lives of thousands of persons, including the personnel of the Rangers and Police in Karachi. A rise of sectarian violence also resulted into several casualties.

The present Government had launched the targeted operation in Karachi after obtaining consensus of all stakeholders like political parties, business community and members of civil society. For the purpose, Karachi was particularly handed over to the Rangers with power to take action against the culprits without any discrimination.

In 2014, leader of the MQM and the then Governor Sindh Ishratul Ibad Khan had submitted his resignation, as MQM dubbed the operation with the pretext that it is against its office bearers. While, this party had itself supported the operation, and even demanded to hand over Karachi to army.

Notably, MPA of MQM, Nadeem Hashmi was arrested on September 10, 2013 owing to firing at a police mobile in the Haideri area of the city in which the two policemen were killed. In the same month, some MQM workers were arrested, who were found involved in criminal activities, while the founder and leader of MQM Altaf Hussain had condemned the raid on MQM’s offices.

In the recent past, the paramilitary force proved that the MQM was behind the Baldia Town factory fire in which 250 persons were killed. On February 8, 2015, the Rangers also arrested a senior MQM worker namely Rafiq Rajput who not only ran a team of ‘hit men’ but was also involved in the May 12, 2007 carnage in the Karachi.

Nonetheless, some developments need attention, as these have proved that traitors are within the MQM. On April 30, 2015, during a press conference, while presenting two terrorists who he claimed belonged to the MQM, SSP Malir, Karachi Rao Anwar had disclosed, “Key MQM leaders have connections with Indian spy agency RAW”, adding that the arrested MQM workers had received training from RAW. He further pointed out that the MQM was actively working against Pakistan, should be banned.

On the same day, Altaf Hussain not only criticized Pakistan’s armed forces, but also asked assistance from RAW. He also instructed his supporters to start “commando” training and to get arms—what MQM had been planning.

Next day, the then DG of ISPR Maj-Gen. Asim Bajwa called MQM chief’s speech disgusting—reference to the army or its leadership, adding that criminals’ links to political parties will not be tolerated.

It is noteworthy that MQM’s leaders were already confused when on March 11, 2015, in a targeted operation, Rangers’ forces carried out a raid at Nine-Zero, the headquarters of the party in Karachi, and a large cache of illegal weapons were recovered and several criminals had also been arrested. Altaf had again targeted Pak Army and ISI.

In July 2015, Altaf Hussain had threatened that there will be “war on the streets” of Karachi and that “Pakistan will be turned into Somalia”. On July 16, 2015, the MQM leader addressed his workers and issued direct threats to the DG of ISI Lt. Gen. Rizwan Akhtar and the DG of Sindh Rangers. Lt. Gen, Bilal Akbar.

It is worth-mentioning that Zulfiqar Mirza, the then Home Minister and Senior Vice President of the then ruling party—Pakistan Peoples Party had claimed on April 9, 2011 that he had been relieved from his ministry owing to pressure from the government’s coalition partner, the MQM. Mirza pointed out that the issue of target killings was just a ruse to remove him from his post.

It is mentionable that in June 3, 2014, Altaf Hussain was arrested by Scotland Yard Police in London. London Police and agencies were holding investigation against him in three cases including money laundering, after recovery of 7 Lac pounds from Altaf Hussain home and office in London—controversial speeches from London and Imran Farooq murder case. In this respect, in his article, Salman Mugsi wrote on August 27, 2011, “Altaf Hussain designated Waseem Akhtar in Karachi to arrange for the murder of Imran Farooq. Waseem Akhtar gave this task to Khalid Shameem and Hammad Siddiqui, who are incharge of militant wing of the MQM in Karachi. Khalid Shameem picked two boys from the student wing of MQM…who reached London…and then carried out his assassination according to the plan.”

It is of particular attention that a report of the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) had disclosed that Saulat Mirza, the death row inmate and the former MQM’s worker, who recorded his statement before the JIT revealed that MQM had links with Indian RAW. Mirza confessed to killing 13 people, yet he was implicated in two murders only.

As regards “Batha khauri”, everyone in Karachi knows that MQM had been collecting this illegal money from the local businessmen who were afraid of threats and terror-related actions of this party’s militant wing. While a majority of the innocent people of the city and followers of the MQM did not know the malpractices and criminal acts of this political party and its links with anti-Pakistan external entities—were being misguided by their old leaders who act upon the directions of Altaf Hussain.

The loyal Pakistanis, living in Karachi must know that Karachi is Pakistan’s largest port and financial hub with the largest commercial markets, collecting 70 per cent of the country’s tax revenue. So, besides causing unrest in the city, creating instability in Pakistan, another aim of the MQM was to cripple the economy of the city which was intermittently brought to a halt with shut-down strikes—many shops including other business centers were forced to be closed. And, old leadership of MQM was misguiding the people by propagating that national institutions was not made to develop other areas of Pakistan like Karachi, alleging that the establishment was doing the ethnic cleansing of Muhajirs.

Regarding the external connections of the MQM, Defence Clifton Resident Committee (DCRC), Mohajir RAbitta Council (MRC) and Mohajir Ittehad Tehreek (MIT) were the three front organizations of MQM (Altaf) which usually depicted themselves as separate entity of Mohajirs whereas, these were controlled, monitored and directed by MQM (A). These front organizations were serving those agendas and activities of MQM (A)—international establishment for which MQM (A) did not want to use its own platform. MQM (A) was using these front organizations for initiating its campaign for separate Mohajir province.

However, MQM leaders have been propagating that only Karachi is being targeted by the Rangers and Pak Army is behind the present operation. Their leaders are only creating prejudice against the Rangers and Army to obtain the designs of the external enemies of Pakistan. But, fact is that Pakistan’s armed forces have also been conducting military operations in other parts of the country such as Balochistan, Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and FATA.

While, Pakistan’s armed forces have successfully broken the backbone of the foreign-backed terrorists. Army and ISI have broken the network of these terrorist groups by capturing several militants, while thwarting a number of terror attempts. Peace has been restored in various regions of Pakistan, including Karachi and Balochistan.

But, these foreign elements have, again, started terror attacks in Balochistan and other regions of the country which show that the US-led India, Afghanistan and Israel want to weaken Pakistan and to damage the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

In these terms, the statement of Nadeem Nushrat spokesman of the MQM for the Free Karachi
campaign is part of the propaganda against the integrity of Pakistan. It also shows that anti-Pakistan activities of the MQM continue unabated.