Pakistan: Govt crushing opponents by using state machinery

Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain on Sunday strongly condemned raids on the offices of Pakistan Awami Tehreek across Punjab, with large scale arrests of its workers. Termed the government action as ‘state brutality’, MQM chief said, “Instead of arresting and punishing people responsible for the tragic incident on June 17 in Model Town, Lahore, the government has resorted to arresting leaders and workers of PAT and subjecting them to state brutality. The government’s action is highly condemnable.” The MQM chief said, “At a time when our armed forces have started operation against terrorists and making great sacrifices, we need unity among the people of the country. However, the government is busy in crushing its opponents at this critical stage by using state machinery, which is incomprehensible.” Altaf said it was the constitutional right of a party to hold public gatherings and receive their leader. He said it would be unconstitutional and undemocratic to deprive a party of its right by using state power. “It is a dictatorial act and highly condemnable. It should be stopped and PAT leaders and workers should be released. Raids should be stopped. The government should not put hurdles in the way of their preparations to receive their leader.”