People to declare jihad if terrorism not stopped, says MQM chief

E-Paper | May 28, 2026

KARACHI: Chief of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Altaf Hussain said Saturday that if the government and armed forces of Pakistan failed to stop terrorism then citizens would be justified to declare jihad in order to defend themselves, DawnNews reported.

During a telephonic address to party's workers, Rabita Committee members and other leaders at the Nine Zero headquarters of the MQM, Altaf said that the government could neither stop drone attacks nor could it instruct for it.

Talking about the blasts in Karachi's Ancholi area a day earlier, he said that the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) had accepted responsibility for the attack and yet no Taliban sympathiser had protested against the explosions.

He further appealed to the government and all political and religious parties to declare the proscribed TTP, its direct and indirect supporters, and sympathisers as enemies of humanity and worse than beasts.

Altaf Hussain also appealed to Prime minister Nawaz Sharif, federal ministers, political and religious parties to shun the politics of deceit and to inform the people of facts.

Our readers are at the heart of everything we do.
Do you have a thought to share or a way we can improve? We’d love to hear it. Reach out to us at feedback@dawn.com.

Pakistan

At least seven dead in two blasts in Karachi

TTP claims responsibility for twin bomb attacks in Karachi

indoaryan

Nov 24, 2013 01:52am

Altaf Hussain's statement about declaring Jihad on terrorists is ill conceived and not thought thru properly. Declaring jihad will lead to uncontrolled violence in the country, people will start settling old scores in the name jihad on terrorists. Jihadists and terrorists may even join hands to achieve their personal goals. Most of the people are already traumatized and ready to take law in their own hands. That may even lead to a civil war. So let the current government sort out the law and order situation without adding fuel to the fire.

Recommend 0

kaliraja t

Nov 24, 2013 03:30am

A Pakistani leader speaks with courage for justice. He speaks for humanity and Justice.

Recommend 0

pakiboy

Nov 24, 2013 06:43am

agreed .. govt should declare them enemy of the estate .. and purge them with full force !

Recommend 0

Sadruddin Mitha

Nov 24, 2013 07:41am

Though a British Citizen, His love for Pakistan is unparalleled

Recommend 0

shaique ali

Nov 24, 2013 09:24am

Please come back to Pakistan to do Jihad - The nation needs you Altaf. We praying for you day and night to back the soil and play a lead role on the soil in person. We need you please come back.

Recommend 0

Abid Mahmud Ansari.

Nov 24, 2013 10:19am

Mr.Altaf Hussein, in his statement has urged the citizen to start "Jehad"against TTP. Isn't it a provocative statement? He is trying to take the country towards a "civil war" like situation. But in a way he is right. So far a few thousands of TTP has given an impression as if they can hold a whole country at gun point for as long as they want. Because the Government of Pakistan and its functionaries are still making only half hearted efforts, other wise these few thousand terrorists cannot stand against the all powerful forces of Pakistan.

Recommend 0

Zia

Nov 24, 2013 10:45am

A positive and perfect statement which is courageous

Recommend 0

Tahir

Nov 24, 2013 10:46am

Surprising why Altaf Hussein was not so disturbed by the Rawalpindi incident and instead adopted a very reconciliatory approach!!!!!!!!!

Recommend 0

Amin Taj

Nov 24, 2013 01:18pm

Dear Altaf Hussain, thank you for your concerns, we will go for jihad but if you lead us. You should be ashamed of yourself, sitting in UK and calling Pakistanis to raise for Jihad. Come first to Pakistan and then lead what you are saying.

Recommend 0

khanm

Nov 24, 2013 05:03pm

Life in all mega cities has become terribly insecure in Pakistan. Lack of laws and orders , total civic break down. It is infect on the vortex of civil war. It is quite difficult nearly impossible to know how Pakistan will bring it back from the brink and build up good will

Recommend 0

sabeeh omer

Nov 24, 2013 06:28pm

Come to Pakistan and lead. Sitting hundreds of miles away in the comfort of the English soil with a British passport do not ruin the lives of the ordinary Pakistani folks by commenting on every issue that plagues Pakistan. If there is an iota of love for Pakistan and Pakistanis in your heart come live amongst them. For too long you have fooled the Karachites!

Recommend 0

Hasan Fawad

Nov 24, 2013 06:32pm

This Guy is funny

Recommend 0

Hasan Fawad

Nov 24, 2013 06:43pm

This Guy is funny lolzzzz. Jihad on those who already are on jihad with everybody

Recommend 0

Ammar

Nov 24, 2013 06:51pm

I don't agree with MQM and especially Altaf Hussain on many matters but no one can deny that this is the only party who has shown its clear stance regarding terrorism that has engulfed our country. I understand MQM doesn't have an untarnished record when it comes to violence. If any of its party workers have committed crimes, they should be punished. However I can't ignore the fact that MQM has bee a major contributor to the inter-faith harmony in Karachi. There was a time when religious extremists had political strength in Karachi and city was rife with sectarian violence. With MQM in the picture, those forces lost their ground and have become largely ineffective. They still try to spread the poison to divide Shia and Sunnis but their following has waned. Regarding Jihad against terrorists, we don't even need a fatwa to do that. To fight criminals, in-order to save your own life and property is Jihad.

Recommend 0

Ghani K

Nov 24, 2013 07:20pm

Leading a sheltered, cozy life in London, a British national is preaching 'Jehad' ! Read between the lines, he is allowing a deliberate chaos, confusion which his party started & created decades ago. A leader, staying away from his followers, always leading from the back is a manipulative leader, you have to be braindead to believe him.

Recommend 0

Ali

Nov 24, 2013 08:01pm

Altaf is the first leader who drew attention towards this emerging threat to pakistan in the form of talibanization. Once again he come up with an appropriate solution to root out this cancer from Pakistan by declaring jihad with ill minded people. Pakistan politicians along with Army should device a plan ASAP to kick them out from our land of pure.

Recommend 0

mohammed

Nov 24, 2013 09:43pm

Mr.Hussain you better keep out of it Jihad is not your pc of cake. Keep up with your business you are doing and have fun in London..

Recommend 0

Najam uddin

Nov 24, 2013 11:21pm

I wish Scotland Yard would conclusively take action against him. Only way Pakistanis can get rid of him. He is a perpetual nuisance.

Recommend 0

mjk

Nov 25, 2013 02:04am

@kaliraja t: He just speaks, quite a convenience when you live a sheltered life away from those who you advise.

Recommend 0

Nov 25, 2013 10:10pm

Even though I do not agree about some of the policies with MQM, I do agree about their stance on terrorism. If civilians do not stand up against terrorists then forget about these politicians and army taking care of this problem.

Recommend 0

Mohammad Sajjad

Nov 26, 2013 06:14pm

@indoaryan: It is about time the citizens got control of safety of the people. It's the only way. Stop the bullies in their track.

Recommend 0

Najam uddin

Nov 27, 2013 03:29am

@sabeeh omer: Well said. If only his followers would push him to come back to Karachi and see what Pakistanis are going through.

Recommend 0

Branded Content

Why investors who know Lahore are looking closely at Alif Holdings’ 20 Canal Residence

20 Canal Residence: Where prestige meets income.

K&N's SmartCooking Recipes: Wings with Mushroom Sauce

Creamy mushroom combo wings simmered in a rich garlic and thyme sauce served with flavourful garlic rice.

Mirchawala’s launches exclusive ACCA degree pathway with University of Greenwich, London

Mirchawala’s ACCA students can now earn a globally recognised online Bachelor’s degree from the University of Greenwich after completing 9 ACCA papers.