MQM pre-planned attack on news organizations: DG Rangers

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 30 August 2016

A senior security official stated that the MQM orchestrated the August 22 attack on media in Karachi. Six party workers have confessed to their involvement under party directives.

Summary

KARACHI - A senior Pakistani security official Monday said the August 22 attack on media houses in Karachi was planned and executed by the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), and six party workers have confessed to the crime.

“Members of MQM’s unit and sector offices carried out the attack on the directives of the party’s Rabita Committee and Central Executive Committee,” the director-general of the Paramilitary Rangers, Major-General Bilal Akbar (pictured), said while talking to media during his visit to Jinnah Hospital here.

Assailants launched attacks on several media offices soon after former party supremo Altaf Hussain delivered anti-state remarks last Monday, in what has now become an infamous speech.

Subsequently, MQM’s senior leader Farooq Sattar disassociated the affairs of the party from Altaf, saying all political affairs will be run from Karachi.

“The six arrested miscreants have revealed that they brought batons and knives and organized the attackers on the directives given,” Maj Gen Bilal said. - Online

KEY POINTS:

• MQM accused of planning the media attacks in Karachi
• Six party workers confess to participating in the attacks
• Attacks occurred after Altaf Hussain's anti-state remarks
• Major-General Bilal Akbar discussed the issue at Jinnah Hospital
• Farooq Sattar distanced MQM from Altaf Hussain's statements