February 17, 2003	Monday	Zul Hijjah 15, 1423

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KARACHI, Feb 16: Muttahida Qaumi Movement chief Altaf Hussain has condemned the murder of MQM leader and former MPA Khalid bin Waleed.

In his condolence message faxed from London, Mr Hussain said he was shocked to learn about the murder. Khalid bin Waleed was a soft-spoken senior member of the party and his family’s sacrifices for the party were unforgettable. The killers had deprived another beloved colleague from us, he added.

Recalling his contribution towards the sectarian solidarityand brotherhood, he said, at the time when Karachi was giving reflecting a peaceful look and the three days of Eidul Azha passed peacefully and law and order situation of Sindh, particularly Karachi was improving, the disruptive elements targeted Khalid bin Waleed to spoil the peaceful climate in Sindh. They wanted to create an atmosphere of fear so that the MQM workers should retaliate to the murder, he pointed out.

Mr Hussain offering his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, appealed to the people of Sindh, particularly the MQM workers to understand the conspiracies of the disruptive elements, keep calm and be patient.

He assured the party supporters and sympathisers that every effort would be made to identify the culprits. The MQM Coordination Committee in a statement condemned the murder and termed it a heinous conspiracy to spoil the peace in Sindh especially in Karachi.

The committee has appealed to President Pervez Musharraf , Prime Minister Zafarullah Jamali, Governor Ishratul Ibad and Chief Minister Ali Muhammad Mahar to take notice of the killing and foil the conspiracy to destroy the peace of Karachi by arresting the killers and giving them exemplary punishment.