I think this is the first time I have seen ISPR condemning a political party and it’s leadership so openly in the media. Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Major General Asim Bajwa said: “Such reference to Army or its leadership as reaction to arrest of criminals, who may have links with any political party, won’t be tolerated”. Muttahida Qaumi Movement Chief Altaf Hussain went way beyond his limits yesterday in his speech to bash the army. It was totally uncalled for too. No army personnel had said anything against MQM, but a police officer held a press conference in which he made some allegations. He was promptly suspended by the Sindh government, but Altaf Hussain released all his anger on the army.

 

 

SSP Malir Rao Anwar is the man of moment right now. Out of blue, he called the press and said that MQM workers from every sector go to India and get trained by Indian intelligence agency RAW to come back to Pakistan and spread unrest in Karachi. He demanded a ban on MQM and termed it an anti-Pakistan party. Altaf Hussain came on phone for retaliation as was expected and not only bashed Rao Anwar but also military. He called Rao Anwar a bangi or sweeper and then made a cheap remark about military’s surrender of arms to India in 1971. He also used foul language about the sisters and mothers of Rao Anwar and crossed all limits. The reaction of ISPR relfects that military now has enough of MQM and they have categorically said that operation in Karachi will go on, no matter what. Federal government is also standing behind military, whereas Sindh government is trying to placate MQM by suspending the Rao Anwar. Things are turning towards violence, but this time MQM won’t have free hand and if all goes well, they will be truly clipped and cut to size. Karachi might take a permanent sigh of relief this time.