The Taliban wield control over large stretches of Pashtun neighbourhoods in five districts of Pakistan's largest city of Karachi after chasing out workers of political parties and creating fear among law enforcement personnel, according to a media report today.
The latest players in land grabbing in Karachi are elements of the banned Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan "who have been putting down their roots in various parts of the city over the past couple of years", the influential Dawn newspaper reported.
"Large swathes of Pashtun neighbourhoods in districts west and east, as well as pockets in districts Malir, central and south are reported to be under the influence of" the Taliban, the report.
About 30-odd Taliban factions have a presence in Karachi but the greatest influence is wielded by the factions led by Hakimullah Mehsud and Mullah Fazlullah.
The report quoted police officials and local residents as saying that the Taliban elements had entrenched themselves in the city after terrorising the Pashtun population into submission and driving out the Awami National Party, which draws its strength from Pashtuns.
On August 13 last year, an attack in Frontier Colony killed ANP leader Amir Sardar, and two party workers.
Since then, numerous ANP offices have been shut, scores of its workers killed and many driven out of Pashtun-dominated areas.
Qadir Khan, an ANP spokesman who has joined the Muttahida Qaumi Movement, said that "no political party or group can stand up to these militants".
The TTP confirmed its presence in Karachi for the first time when it claimed responsibility for an attack on the offices of The Business Recorder newspaper and Aaj TV channel on June 25, describing it as a warning to other media groups.
