KMC City Council voices support for anti-terrorism fight

The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation’s (KMC) City Council met on Thursday at the City Council Hall under the chairmanship of Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab to express unity against terrorism, especially in the light of recent incidents in Pakistan. Deputy Mayor Salman Abdullah Murad and Metropolitan Commissioner Afzal Zaidi were also present on the occasion.

Leader of the opposition Syed Saifuddin of the Jamaat-e-Islami, Pakistan Peoples Party parliamentary leader Karamullah Waqasi, and other council members spoke during the session. The mayor emphasised the importance of standing up for truth and opposing oppression worldwide. He praised Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto for strengthening the country's defence and reiterated the nation’s support for its security forces.

He also commended the government and armed forces for their fight against terrorism, stating that those who stood up for justice could not be defeated. The council members reaffirmed that as a nuclear power, Pakistan was capable of defending itself. The nation remained steadfast in its resolve against terrorism, with the armed forces committed to thwarting threats to the country’s sovereignty, it was said.

Saifuddin underscored the importance of justice and fairness, warning that discrimination fueled terrorism. He expressed unwavering support for the army and condemned the oppression in Palestine, criticising the silence of Islamic nations.

Mirza Maqbool Ahmed cautioned that the failure to protect people's rights allowed anti-state elements to exploit vulnerabilities. He praised General Asim Munir’s leadership and called for stronger relations between security forces and the public.

Naeem Kamran of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz highlighted that the emergency meeting of the City Council was a testament to national unity. He reaffirmed support for the armed forces, recognising Bhutto and Mian Nawaz Sharif as leaders who remained loyal to Pakistan.

Mubashir Ahmed stressed that national institutions must work within their mandates and wars were won with the public support. Addressing the citizens’ grievances, he added, was crucial for national security.

Minority representative Amanat Zia assured the council that Pakistan’s minorities stood firmly with the country and its institutions. He noted that some foreign elements had contributed to terrorism.

Asad Amanat Khan praised the armed forces for ensuring peace and stability, rejecting any link between Baloch people and terrorism, and reaffirming their patriotism. Shehzadi Rai stressed that the entire nation was united against terrorism and called for ensuring that all provinces received their due rights.

Jamaat-e-Islami’s Junaid Makati urged the council to reflect on the root causes of terrorism. He stressed the need for justice, merit-based decisions and equal rights, asserting that self-accountability was the key to eliminating terrorism.

Waqasi acknowledged internal challenges and stated that Pakistan’s security remained the top priority. He stressed that democracy thrived through dialogue and collective efforts. At the end of the meeting, prayers were offered for the government, security institutions, and the martyrs of recent incidents. Special prayers were also held for the late Hafiz Hussain Ahmed.