Altaf lauds successful operation against Jamia Hafsa

The chief of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), Altaf Hussain, has lauded the successful operation against Jamia Hafsa militants. In a statement issued here on Wednesday, he paid glowing tributes to, and commended the role of, the armed forces, particularly the Special Services Group (SSG), and other officers and jawans of Pakistan Army who participated in the operation against the militants of Jamia Hafsa and Lal Masjid.
Altaf in his statement pointed out that the armed forces tried their best not to cause harm to the innocent women and children who were being used as human shield by the armed terrorists. He said that it was only after July 3, when the terrorists opened fire upon the armed forces without any provocation, that action was initialled on the sixth day (evening of July 9) and that, too, very cautiously, to avoid any harm to the innocent people.
The MQM chief also paid rich tributes to President General Pervez Musharraf, Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, and the paramilitary forces, Rangers, Police officers, high officials of the intelligence agencies, the civilian officers and the rank and file of the forces that completed the operation very successfully with great patience. He also appreciated the efforts made by the ulema, who tried their best to resolve this critical and crucial issue peacefully.
Altaf said that such illegal and terrorist activities by elements using lethal weapons that jeopardise national security and integrity of the country should not be allowed to be repeated anywhere throughout the length and breadth of the country, especially when such dastardly acts malign and distort the image, particularly of Pakistan, and generally of Islam.
He said that undoubtedly the government demonstrated its unprecedented patience during the period of last four months against these hundreds of armed occupants who indulged in unconstitutional and illegal activities despite all warnings.
The MQM chief said that credit was due to the government that though it tried to resolve this sensitive and crucial issue through protracted negotiations and all possible peaceful means, but unfortunately the occupants did not make any positive response.
He offered his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families of those army officers and jawans who sacrificed their precious lives bravely as martyrs, for the cause of the country.
Altaf prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed their souls in peace and accord them a place in Jannat-ul-Firdaus and give strength and fortitude to the family members to bear the irreparable loss. He also prayed for early recovery of those who sustained injuries during this operation.