KARACHI: The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain rejected “dialogue” option with the Taliban in his telephonic address to participants of a large rally in the metropolis on Sunday.

The event organised by his party to express its solidarity with the Pakistan Armed Forces was attended by numerous party supporters.

The MQM chief said lack of sincerity among Taliban groups was well established through their unyielding and rigid attitude, even during the government attempts to ensure a truce through dialogue.

He said those responsible for endangering the security and territorial integrity of Pakistan can never be trusted. He said the people of Pakistan are with their armed forces in the struggle against terrorists.

Altaf Hussain also urged the policy makers and public representatives to realize that the Taliban are hostile towards Pakistan and will not go along with those who respect and support the existence of the country.

Appreciating the public participation in the rally, the MQM Chief claimed this to be a referendum where people have openly expressed their displeasure against Taliban militants.

“Massive turnout of people has established how strongly the people feel about the loss of thousands of compatriots and no less 5000 soldiers killed while fighting terrorists,” said Altaf Hussain.

Deputy Convener of MQM, Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui said solidarity rally reflected unity among Pakistanis and this unity guaranteed a bright future for Pakistan.

“Our situation demands tough decisions, unity and action,” he said and warned that any failure to act in time could prove disastrous for the country and its people.

Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui said public participation in the rally is also a strong and clear message to the world that Pakistanis support their army, police, FC and Rangers in the fight against terrorism.

Leader of opposition in Sindh Assembly, Faisal Sabzwari, Haider Abbas Rizvi, Dr. Saghir Ahmed, Dr. Khalid Said, Senator Nasreen Jalil, Gulfaraz Khan Khattak, Yousuf Shahwani and others on the occasion said MQM had been constantly warning authorities of the growing presence of Taliban and their supporters in areas within Karachi.

They regretted that lack of timely action has caused significant damage to the society, however, unity among people was a positive sign.

They said people are with the armed forces and would resist elements causing security risks to the country.