KARACHI, Aug 3: Muttahida Qaumi Movement chief Altaf Hussain urged the people of Karachi on Sunday to adopt suitable measures to protect themselves and called upon the president and the prime minister to take effective steps to prevent Talibanisation of Karachi.

Addressing a workers’ convention by phone from London, he cited various instances which he said indicated that jihadi elements were trying to enforce Taliban-style gun-baton Sharia in the city.

A large number of workers including women attended the convention.

Mr Hussain expressed concern over activities of Umme Hassan — wife of Maulana Abdul Aziz of Lal Masjid -- who had addressed jihadi elements during her recent visit to Karachi on the pretext of a certificate-distribution ceremony in some seminaries.

He also spoke about activities of the Taliban in Nazimabad, Gulbahar, Shah Faisal Colony, Liaquatabad and named a few individuals who he alleged were behind the conspiracy of Talibanising the city.

”They are not locals, but have connections with Haqiqi terrorists,” he said.

Mr Hussain said that the people of Karachi would strongly resist the imposition of the Taliban’s gun-baton Sharia.

People attending the meeting replied in negative when the MQM chief asked whether they would accept Talibanisation in the city. Raising slogans, they said they were not afraid of the Taliban and were ready to confront them.

Mr Hussain said that it was against the teachings of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) to impose restrictions on women and girls from acquiring education.

”Were we not practising Islam before Al Qaeda and Taliban’s arrival? What kind of Muslims they (jihadis) want to make us? he asked.

He said that the MQM would never allow anyone to harm the people of Karachi or the minorities living here.

”Problems could never be solved with slogans because the solution lies in practical struggle,” the MQM chief said, adding that the people of Karachi should form vigilance committees in their areas and the rich and the poor should take measures to protect themselves from the threat posed by the Taliban.

He asked philanthropists to provide financial help to the poor who were ready to sacrifice their lives to save Karachi from Talibanisation. He also asked the rich to take measures to protect themselves.

He appealed to the international community and national and international human rights organisations to come forward to save the unarmed people of the city.

”People of Sindh will never allow Karachi to become a Taliban-controlled city,” he said.