Karachi, Aug 3: The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain said Wednesday that the army and rangers should intervene to end the unrest in Karachi.
 He said that the army should take action against elements regardless of their association.
 MQM chief Altaf Hussain, who lives in exile in London, addressed his followers by telephone and invited the military to come to Karachi and see who is involved in “the ongoing terrorism”.
 He said that the he had given an ultimatum to the president and the prime minister to impede violence in Karachi within 48 hours but there was no response.
 “MQM condemns acts of violence in Karachi. The government has failed to establish peace in the city, innocent people are being gunned down in Qasba Colony.” said Hussain.
 “President should end the supremacy of lyari gang war mafia,” said Hussain.
 Hussain said that he is a Sindhi and declared a social boycott against those who do not consider Muhajirs as Sindhis.
 “I also request the international community to use its influence on the Pakistani government to restore law and order in Karachi,” he added, warning that the situation could worsen if not “tackled seriously”.
 In an overnight statement, Hussain had warned people to stockpile food for a month as the law and order situation worsens.
 Karachi is Pakistan’s largest city, with a population of 17 million. It was gripped by deadly communal violence throughout the 1980s and 1990s.
 The Arabian Sea port city is used by NATO to ship the bulk of supplies to troops fighting in Afghanistan.
 Government officials and coalition party members have distributed stickers, pamphlets and placards pleading for peace, but to little effect.

Lastupdate on : Wed, 3 Aug 2011 21:30:00 Mecca time
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