Talking to media in Karachi, Nisar claimed that all the institutions are on one page regarding security situation in Karachi and the country at large.
About the attack on ARY News and other media houses after Altaf Hussain’s speech, Nisar claimed that the federal government will ensure security of all the media houses and a “single person will not be allowed to hold Karachi hostage”.
He expressed sympathy and solidarity with the media on the issue of attack on newsmen and media houses.
Urdu speaking community won’t support Altaf
Later, in a formal presser, Chaudhry Nisar praised the Urdu-speaking community and said that they are perhaps the most patriotic people in the country and rendered immense sacrifices for the creation of Pakistan.
He said that the existence of the community was due to the creation of the country, and that an entire community cannot be held responsible for the actions of a single person (Altaf Hussain), who was given respect despite staying abroad, but still chose to intimidate and hold the community hostage.
“No Urdu-speaking will support Altaf Hussain on anti-Pakistan slogans,” claimed Nisar.
He assured the community that law-enforcement agencies are advised not to harass any innocent member of the community and criminals won’t be spared.
While condemning the attack on ARY News and other media houses, Nisar congratulated the people of Karachi and the media for not allowing such nefarious designs to succeed. He said that it was the first time in 25 years that the people of the city have decided that they will not be threatened by anyone.
He also lauded the efforts of the law-enforcement agencies and Sindh Chief Minister for the handling of the situation and their visits of media houses which gave an impression of good administration.
Meeting with Governor Sindh
Earlier, the interior minister met Governor Sindh at the latter’s official residence and exchanged views on security situation in Karachi and rest of the province.
On the occasion, Governor Sindh Ishratul Ebad Khan assured the interior minister that those involved in attack on media houses will not spared.
The attack on ARY News
Armed workers belonging to MQM forcibly entered ARY News’ Saddar office and destroyed the office’s reception, marketing section, harassed workers and set fire to the employees’ vehicles on Monday, August 22.
Details: MQM workers attack ARY News office in Karachi
The attack occurred allegedly after party chief Altaf Hussain’s speech in which he incited the workers to attack media houses and allegedly asked them to raise anti-Pakistan slogans.
The resulting hue and cry forced the party’s Karachi rabita committee to dissociate itself from Altaf Hussain’s statements while some senior members including Amir Liaquat Hussain and Irum Azeem Farooque to leave the party.
