MQM Karachi rally to support Pak operation against militants

Thousands of people today attended a massive rally here organised by the MQM in support of the Pakistan army's offensive against terrorists in the northwestern tribal region.
"This is the biggest rally held in the history of the country and by attending the rally today the people of Pakistan have shown their love and respect for the Pakistan Army and their hatred for the terrorists who are trying to impose their own brand of Shariat in our country," Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain told the rally via video link from London.
MQM leader Farooq Sattar said around 100,000 chairs were put up for the rally while thousands more sat on the floor.

"The rally has been a massive success and shows people support this operation against the terrorists," he said.
The MQM had invited leaders of other political parties for the rally held at the Jinnah park ground.
Leaders from the ruling Pakistan Muslim League (N), Pakistan Peoples Party, Pervez Musharraf's All Pakistan Muslim League, Muslim League functional were present at the rally but the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf and Jamaat-e-Islaami, the two mainstream parties who are perceived to be pro-Taliban didn't send their representatives for the gathering.

Sattar said the party had also created history by hosting Iftaari for the thousands who attended the rally in a very disciplined and organised manner.

"Perhaps never in the history of Pakistan has such a big Iftaari been held anywhere," he added.
Close to 500 policemen and paramilitary rangers with bomb disposal squad experts provided security around the venue with hundreds of MQM volunteers.
The MQM chief said that the entire nation is behind the army in the Zarb-e-Azb operation in North Waziristan to weed out terrorists and said this operation was necessary to save the country from sectarian and extremist religious elements.
Hussain said that the people of Pakistan should show unity during the ongoing operation and lauded the sacrifices of soldiers who laid down their lives for the nation.

He also called for everyone to play their part in providing all help for the internally displaced persons that have had to flee North Waziristan due to the operation.