MQM USA Takes Firm Stand Against Terror and the Talibanization of Pakistan

Chicago IL: The Chicago Chapter of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), which translates into United National Movement, USA, organized a protest march at the corner of Devon and Claremont avenues from 3.00 pm to 7.00pm on Saturday, May 4, 2013 to protest against the brutal and inhumane killing of MQM workers and ordinary citizens in Pakistan by religious extremists, Taliban members, as well as criminal gangs. More generally, these peace demonstrations, which were also held in New York City and Washington D.C., were to uphold and promote progressive liberal values and call for free and fair elections, as was evident from the banners in English and Urdu and the speeches delivered by community leaders. The demonstrators appealed to the internal community to stand firmly with Pakistan as the last line of defense against terrorism.

In the last few days Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) Pakistan had attacked two MQM election offices, killing more than twelve innocent workers and injuring more than 40 others. They had also just claimed responsibly for these attacks through the national media, warning citizens of Karachi not to take part in the election: they “will target those political parties in Pakistan who are secular, moderate, liberal, and enlightened. Also they will eliminate MQM from Pakistan.” The MQM press release expressed confidence that law enforcement authorities will soon discover the identity of perpetrators of this well-planned and well-coordinated act of terrorism and bring them to justice with the full force of the law.

MQM is the third largest political party in Pakistan and second largest in Sind province enjoying 85% of the electoral mandate from the citizens of urban Sindh. According to its press release, MQM’s vision under the leadership of Altaf Hussain is to transform Pakistan into an educated and tolerant society, where everyone regardless of their race, religion, sect, and ethnicity can live freely. “MQM has always stood strong against any extremism or unjust policy in Pakistani parliament. Our outright and undeterred stance on Malala Yousuf Zai is one of the many examples that depict our vision and mission for Pakistan. MQM was the first to denounce Taliban’s advances into Karachi, and its leader Altaf Hussain was the first to warn against the oncoming monster of Taliban into the mainstream of Pakistan and the main business hub of the country, the city of Karachi”.

The Devon protestors were voluntary workers for the overseas branch of MQM Pakistan. Central Organizer for MQM USA Junaid Fahmi had called on Pakistani Americans to “join their fellow Americans today in condemning these dastardly acts of terrorism and share the grief and sorrow of the nation. Our hearts go out to the friends and families of those who are victims of this unspeakable tragedy.” MQM USA appealed to the media to take note of the dire situation.

Pakistan’s mainstream liberal political parties including MQM, PPP and ANP are being kept from taking part in campaigning for the election that is set for 11 May, 2013. These tactics of bombing election offices and targeted assassinations have terrorized the population that is now fearful of coming out to campaign for their preferred candidates. One speaker at the Devon march recalled the 1971 split between East and West Pakistan and warned of history repeating itself.