ISLAMABAD, April 13: Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal (MMA) deputy secretary-general Liaquat Baloch on Thursday accused a coalition partner in Sindh government of being responsible for political murders, acts of terrorism, extortion and lawlessness in Karachi and said that elements behind the Nishtar Park blast wanted to fuel sectarianism in the province.

Speaking at a news conference at the Parliament House cafeteria, he said fresh incidents of terrorism in Karachi were aimed at diverting people’s attention from the military operation in tribal areas and Balochistan.

Mr Baloch criticised former rulers for providing an opportunity two decades ago to what he termed a ‘gang of fascists and mafia organisation’ to emerge as a political force.

He said this group had come to power five times with the support of international forces. He said the incompetence and failure of the government had made Pakistan a ‘soft pasture’ for external forces.

He regretted that influential elements and governments had been behind the forces of disruption all these years.

Giving a resume of incidents of terrorism over the past 15 months, the MMA leader said that 676 people had been murdered in Karachi in 2005. Besides, he said, 37 political personalities had been killed.

He alleged that followers of parties opposed to the group had fallen victim to brutalities but even undesired workers of the ruling Muttahida Qaumi Movement had been eliminated.

He said a large number of workers and leaders of the Sunni Tehrik, MQM’s rival Mohajir Qaumi Movement, Jeay Sindh Qaumi Mahaz and Jamaat-i-Islami were killed.

He said 645 people and 32 children were kidnapped during this period and added that the said ‘gang of thugs’ was known for subjecting its opponents to torture after kidnapping them.

Mr Baloch said that 3,823 cases of dacoity in houses, shops, petrol pumps, and banks were registered during this period, apart from snatching of cellphones, vehicles and motorcycles.

He said the group subjected those police officials to target killings who had taken active part in action against car snatchers, abductors and extortionists.

Mr Baloch said the objective of spoiling the law and order situation in Karachi was to prevent the city from playing a leading role at the international and Ummah level.