In a deeply moving condemnatory statement, Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) London-based chief Altaf Hussain Sunday night demanded of the authorities to waste no time in throwing the attackers of Salman Taseer death anniversary vigil behind the bars.
“Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) has taught us to follow the path of moderation,” Hussain said
Earlier in the day, a bunch of religious fanatics blitzed the members of civil society for commemorating Taseer’s death anniversary with a candlelight vigil and media persons for covering the event near Liberty Chowk.
Taseer was gunned down by his own guard, Mumtaz Qadri, for raising voice against the misuse of controversial blasphemy law in 2011.
Hussain said the aggressors, who were armed with wooden staffs and bricks, were not difficult to catch since their ‘extremist vandalism’ had been caught on camera.
“By watching the footage those hate-criminals can be easily identified and apprehended,” the MQM leader said, adding the culprits deserve the strictest of punishments.
Hussain, who said he was inconsolably disturbed by this act of insane intolerance, also shared with the viewers his fears of “Closet Talibanism” in Pakistani society.
“The terrorists, who have successfully blended in with us, are hiding in our neighborhoods,” Hussain said calling on the people at large to play their due role in this war of terror as if it were their duty.
Moving ahead, Hussain said Pakistan was in the state of war against an amorphous evil.
“When there’s a war then everyone has to fight to save their homeland as Jihad (holy war against evil forces) is a religious obligation for every Muslim,” he said.
Going forward, the MQM supremo said the extremism and terrorism were closely related.
“Thwse two perils are like siblings. They have a brother-sister relation,” Hussain said.
Winding up his statement, Hussain also condemned the murder of Awami National Party (ANP) office bearer Saifullah Afridi, who was shot dead by unknown gunmen in Karachi
