KARACHI, July 10: Muttahida Qaumi Movement chief Altaf Hussain has praised the government, President Gen Pervez Musharraf and armed forces, particularly the Special Services Group, for successfully completing the Lal Masjid-Jamia Hafsa operation.In a statement issued from London on Tuesday night, Mr Hussain also appreciated efforts made by ulema for resolving the crisis peacefully.

Commending the way the crisis was handled, he said the government demonstrated unprecedented patience over the past four months and tried to resolve the issue through protracted negotiations and peaceful means. However, the government did not receive any positive response from hundreds of armed militants.

He said these terrorists had jeopardised national security and integrity of the country and their activities should not be allowed to be repeated anywhere in the country.

He offered his heartfelt condolences to families of the army officers and soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the country. He also prayed for speedy recovery of those injured in the operation.