KARACHI, July 31: Condemning “the conspiracies to engineer sectarian riots” in the country, including Karachi, Muttahida Qaumi Movement chief Altaf Hussain has called upon the president and other authorities concerned to take stern action against elements fanning sectarian hatred and violence.

According to a press release issued on Sunday, the MQM chief said some criminal elements wanted to inflame public sentiments and create a law and order problem in the country by targeting followers of different schools of thought.

Terming those targeting followers of various sects “open enemies of the country”, Mr Hussain said they wanted to destabilise the country and derail democracy by disturbing the law and order situation by inciting sectarian violence.

He appealed to religious scholars of all schools of thought to help maintain peace and harmony among the people and foil divisive plans.

He also condoled with the bereaved family members of those killed in a terrorist attack in Quetta.He demanded that the government take immediate steps to prevent such incidents in future.

Meanwhile, Mr Hussain condemned the killing of two MQM workers, Muhammad Azim and Muhammad Dilshad, in Sherpao Colony, Landhi, and demanded that the president, the prime minister and other authorities order the arrest of the killers.

HRCP delegation visits ‘90’

A delegation of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan visited the MQM headquarters, popularly known as Nine Zero, on Sunday and met MQM leaders Nasrin Jalil, Mustafa Kamal, Kunwar Khalid Yunus and Wasay Jalil.

The HRCP delegation comprised Hina Jillani, I. A. Rehman, Asad Butt and Ronald De Souza.

An MQM statement issued here stated that political and economic conditions of Sindh and Karachi and other issues of common interest came under discussion during the meeting.

The delegation expressed grave concerns over the recent spate of terrorism in Karachi. MQM leaders informed the HRCP delegation of the efforts being made by MQM leader Altaf Hussain for bringing about peace and stability in Karachi.