Pakistani Taliban vow to follow in bin Laden’s footsteps

Published May 3, 2013
Photo shows Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) spokesman Ehsanullah Ehsan (R).—File Photo
Photo shows Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) spokesman Ehsanullah Ehsan (R).—File Photo

PESHAWAR: Two years after the death of Osama bin Laden, the Pakistani Taliban have vowed to follow in the footsteps of the former al Qaeda chief.

The statement came on second anniversary of Osama bin Laden’s death. The former al Qaeda chief was killed by US Navy Seals inside his compound in Abbottabad, on May 2, 2011.

Spokesman of the outlawed Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) Ehsanullah Ehsan, in a video message on Thursday, said the outfit would also continue its opposition of the democratic system.

The historic May 11 polls will witness the first ever democratic transition of power in Pakistan.

Reiterating their stance of targeting Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), Awami National Party (ANP) and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) for having secular views, the TTP spokesman vowed to carry on with the targeted attacks.

More than 60 people have been killed in militant attacks targeting electoral campaigning of the said parties across the country since April 11.

According to official statistics, about 30,000 people have been killed by the Pakistani Taliban over the last decade.

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