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| India-Pakistan |
| Shutdown in Karachi over twin blasts on MQM |
| 2013-05-06 |
| [BETA.DAWN] A complete shutdown was observed in Bloody Karachi ...formerly the capital of Pakistain, now merely its most important port and financial center. It is among the largest cities in the world, with a population of 18 million, most of whom hate each other and many of whom are armed and dangerous... and other cities of Sindh on Sunday (today) following a call to observe a 'day of mourning' by the Muttahida Qaumi Movement ...English: United National Movement, generally known as MQM, is the 3rd largest political party and the largest secular political party in Pakistain with particular strength in Sindh. From 1992 to 1999, the MQM was the target of the Pak Army's Operation Cleanup leaving thousands of urdu speaking civilians dead... (MQM) over twin kabooms outside their election office in Azizabad on Saturday which killed three people and injured 40 others, DawnNews reported. A bomb planted near a park where the MQM had set up its election office for its unit in Karachi's Azizabad (Federal B. Area Block 8) went off around 9pm on Saturday. The blast caused panic and fear in the densely populated and highly guarded neighbourhood as a number of MQM activists, volunteers, personnel of law enforcement agencies and media crew rushed to the place. About 20 minutes later, another kaboom took place at almost the same place which was crowded by the party's activists, volunteers and security personnel. Police said apparently the MQM election office was the target. "Both bombs were detonated either by remote control or a timer device," Karachi Central SSP Amir Farooqi said."The first attack appears to have been a trap to draw people to the place before the second kaboom. Tight security and surveillance prevented any major damage." Meanwhile, ...back at the revival hall, Buford bit the snake and Eloise began speaking in tongues... the Pak Taliban have grabbed credit of the attack. Speaking to Dawn.com via telephone from The MQM, however, has vowed to not bow down to the terrorists. Speaking to DawnNews, the party's leader, Haider Abbas Rizvi said that MQM has been targeted by forces which do not wish to see it coming into power. "We will continue with our election campaign and no one can deter us from our fundamental right of partaking in polls," he said. "It's sheer brutality," MQM chief Altaf Hussain said. "Our morale is high and we will not surrender to the evil forces of extremism and terror. It's so unfortunate that despite consistent attacks, no credible move has been witnessed against cut-throats from the government, administration and security forces." The outlawed TTP has vowed to target the secular political parties of the country, naming Pakistain People's Party (PPP), Awami National Party (ANP) and MQM in the run up to the coming general elections. |
| Posted by:Fred |