The relationship between the MQM & PPP

Pakistan: The relationship between the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and the Pakistan People's Party (PPP), particularly in the southern province of Sindh; political violence between the PPP and the MQM (January 2000 to July 2003)

The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM)

According to Political Parties of the World, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) was founded in 1981 (2002, 362). However, the Europa World Year Book 2002 says that it was originally founded in 1978 as the All Pakistan Mohajir Students Organisation (Europa World Year Book 2002 2002, 3107). Its name changed to Mohajir Qaumi Movement in 1984 and then to the Muttahida Qaumi Movement in 1997 (ibid.).

A United States (US) congressional report on Pakistan's political situation describes the MQM as "a regional party mainly comprised of the descendants of pre-partition immigrants (Muhajirs) from what is now India who are almost wholly found in Sindhi urban centers" (US 19 June 2003, 4).

In 1992, the MQM split into two factions: MQM(A) led by Altaf Hussain and MQM(H) led by Afaq Ahmed and Aamir Khan, both of whom had been "top members of MQM's armed wing" (SATP n.d.a). Both factions had been responsible for incidents of urban terrorism, but after "a series of strong measures taken by the State in 1998, the MQM(A) has largely reoriented itself into a exclusively political outfit" (ibid.). For additional information, please refer to the attachments by the South Asia Terrorism Portal, a project maintained by the New Delhi-based non-governmental organization, Institute for Conflict Management (ibid.n.d.b.).

In 1992, Altaf Hussain left Pakistan for the United Kingdom (SATP n.d.a), where in 2000 he was reported to still live as the leader in exile of the MQM(A) (AFP 10 Dec. 2000).

In 2002, MQM(A) formed a coalition in Sindh with the "pro-Musharraf" Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) after the October 2002 national elections (AFP 16 Dec. 2002; US 19 June 2003, 4).

The Pakistan People's Party

Founded in 1967 (Political Parties of the World 2002 2002, 363; Europa World Year Book 20022002, 3107), the PPP is a national party (ACCORD May 2001, 4) that advocates "Islamic socialism, democracy and a non-aligned foreign policy" (Europa World Year Book 2002 2002, 3107). It is led by Benazir Bhutto, the former Prime Minister (BBC 12 Dec. 2002) who had been "forced to lead her Pakistan People's Party (PPP) from abroad after going into voluntary exile before being condemned to five years in jail for corruption in 1998" (AFP 10 Dec. 2000). According to the US congressional report, Bhutto has been convicted of corruption in absentia three times (19 June 2003, 3).

The Relationship Between MQM and PPP in the Province of Sindh

There are four provincial assemblies in Pakistan, one of which is in the province of Sindh (BBC 12 Dec. 2002). During the October 2002 Sindh elections, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) both succeeded in winning seats in the assembly (ibid.). Although the PPP "has the largest single block of seats in the assembly, with 67 out of the 163 seats," it is in the minority (ibid.). The MQM holds 41 assembly seats (ibid.). The PPP is popular in the rural areas of Sindh (PN 30 Jan. 2002; PNS 29 Oct. 2002) while the MQM dominates the urban areas in the province (ibid.; BBC 12 Dec. 2002).

The MQM and PPP are rivals (BBC 16 Nov. 1998). According to the Pakistan Newswire, the MQM is a "strong rival" of the PPP in the Karachi and Hyderabad urban centres of Sindh (30 Jan. 2002); an editorial in Dawn describes the two parties as "mortal enemies" harbouring "extreme hostility ... against each other" (9 Dec. 2002).

The PPP has worked with the MQM as a partner in Sindh, but the party has "bitter memories of parting ways with the MQM" (ibid. 12 Oct. 2002a). Likewise, the MQM also has "bitter-sweet memories" of its association with the PPP (ibid.).

However, the following are occasions at which the two parties have come together:

– July 2000: After a Nationality Accountability Bureau (NAB) court found MQM leader, Farooq Sattar, guilty of having misused his authority while minister for the local government in Sindh and sentenced him to 14 years in prison (HRW Oct. 2000), the PPP criticized the conviction (Dawn 19 July 2002). Stating that it was a "'miscarriage of justice,'" the PPP said that it was "'putting aside its political differences with the MQM'" in criticizing the court's verdict to uphold "'the principle of justice, rule of law and human dignity ...'" (ibid. 19 July 2000).

– August 2000: The PPP and MQM are both members of the Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA) – which in late 2000 became the Alliance for Restoration of Democracy (ARD) – a coalition formed to bring to an end the military regime and restore democracy (AFP 10 Dec. 2000). (Please refer to PAK38713.E of 25 March 2002 for additional information on the ARD). In August 2000, members of both parties attended a meeting of the GDA (Business Recorder 24 Aug. 2000).

– February 2001: The leader of MQM, Altaf Hussain, stated that "his party was ready to shake hands with the PPP despite extra-judicial killings of MQM workers and other atrocities ... provided [that] Benazir Bhutto [leader of the PPP] ... announced that she would now struggle to liberate Sindh from the clutches of what he called the Punjabi establishment" (The News 11 Feb. 2001).

– August 2001: Altaf Hussain stated "without hesitation that he would set aside all bitter memories of the past if only the PPP leader Benazir Bhutto promised to work for Sindhis" (Gulf News 14 Aug. 2001). However, a year later, in August 2002, Farooq Sattar, deputy convener of the MQM, ruling out the possibility of an electoral alliance between MQM and any other political party, added that the PPP "would be the last party on earth [with] which the MQM would join hands" (Dawn 3 Aug. 2002)

– 12 October 2002: Unable to form a provincial government following the October 2002 elections without the cooperation of either independents or its former coalition partner, the MQM, Benazir Bhutto "had not ruled out cooperation with the MQM, provided [that the] past was buried to make a new beginning" (Dawn 12 Oct. 2002b).

– 29 October 2002: Central leaders of the PPP and the MQM held negotiations and "agreed to continue dialogue to form [a] coalition government in Sindh" (PNS 29 Oct. 2002).

– 30 October 2002: According to a PPP committee member, the PPP "was doing its best to establish a lasting relationship with the MQM on the basis of mutual respect by burying the hatchet" (Dawn 30 Oct. 2002). He also added that there was a realization between the two parties that a partnership between them "could provide stability to the province of Sindh" (ibid.).

– November 2002: The MQM held "long deliberations on the evolving political situation" and issued a statement saying that "it had negotiated with the PPP in the larger interest of Sindh, despite extra-judicial killings and atrocities committed by it" (Dawn 1 Nov. 2002). But, Benazir Bhutto, leader of the PPP "held the MQM responsible for the wrong done by the PPP" (ibid.).

– 1 December 2002: The PPP and MQM agreed "to continue dialogue aimed at the formation of a government in Sindh" (Dawn 1 Dec. 2002).

– 13 December 2002: Youns Khan, MQM(H) party secretary general and member of Sindh Assembly, was blocked by the police and subjected to the "worst kind of violence" when he tried to exit Sindh Assembly after taking his oath (PN 15 Dec. 2002). When PPP and Mutahhida Majalis Amal members "came to his rescue, they also faced maltreatment by the sleuths of police which is [an] unprecedented incident in [the] entire parliamentary history of the country" (ibid.).

MQM Political Violence Against Members of the PPP

References to incidents of political violence against PPP members by the MQM could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate. However, the following information is relevant.

In the month long run-up to the October 2002 elections, there were 30 clashes between activists of rival parties that were reported to the police (Dawn 9 Oct. 2002). Two of those clashes were between the MQM and the PPP (ibid.).

In January 2003, Pakistan Press International reported that the chief of the ARD, Nawabzada Nasrullah Khan, alleged that the "MQM had introduced violence in [the] peaceful city of Karachi and disrupted normalcy" (5 Jan. 2003).

In February 2003, PPP legislators recalled that

... the PPP always served [the] people of rural and urban Sindh without any discrimination and initiated projects like hospitals, universities, schools, flyovers and bypasses. Contrary to this, they alleged, [MQM] indulged itself in terrorizing people and presenting them gifts of dead bodies (Dawn 11 Feb. 2003).

According to Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2002, the MQM is "an urban Sindh-based political party that in the past used violence to further its aims" (31 Mar. 2003, Sec. 1a).

PPP Political Violence Against Members of the MQM

In January 2001, the PPP "rebuffed" charges levelled against it by the MQM, which accused the PPP of committing "'murders, raids, arrests and extra-judicial killings'" of MQM members (Dawn 4 Jan. 2001). A PPP spokesperson denied the charges, saying that the PPP had not "indulged in [the] victimization of the MQM" (ibid.). The spokesperson added that

... "human rights organizations had raised the issue of extra-judicial killings and [the] PPP asked the judiciary to look into these complaints. Consequently, one hundred and twenty-six judicial inquiries were held. Not one case of extra-judicial killing took place."

...

The spokesperson asserted that "PPP recognizes MQM as an important political force. However, it makes a distinction between [the] political wing of the MQM and its terrorist wing" (ibid.).

In February 2001, The Hindu reported that "[t]he MQM ... wanted the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) to apologize for the excess committed by its Government against its workers during its regime" (12 Feb. 2001).

For additional information on the situation in Sindh between the MQM and the PPP, please see paragraphs 5.84 to 5.85 and 6.122 to 6.135 of the April 2003 "Pakistan Assessment" by the United Kingdom's Immigration and Nationality Directorate.

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

References

MQM quits govts in Sindh, centre; Governor Sindh resigns

KARACHI: The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) on Monday quit the governments at the centre and in Sindh, DawnNews reported.
Moreover, Governor Sindh Ishratul Ebad resigned from his position.
Senior party official Farooq Sattar said the party withdrew because of differences with the government over elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Although the move was a blow to the government, it was not expected to collapse.More details are coming. Read relationship of MQM & PPP

Sindh Governer Ishratul ibaad resign from his post.

After its announcement to boycott the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) polls, Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) is  adopted another strict stance and part ways with the government
“Senior party leaders in London and Karachi are deliberating the matter and final decision to be or not to be the part of government will be announced shortly,” sources in MQM told TheNation. They said the sudden postponement of elections on two seats in Karachi and some other matters would likely be the main reason for MQM to leave the government coalition.
MQM has also made it clear that if the government continued following its dictatorial actions and refused to give the people their democratic right to vote, it would adopt any line of action in future and take important decisions. Sources said the party level decision would be announced before the special cabinet meeting scheduled to be held on Tuesday (June 28), as the MQM minister’s participation in the cabinet was almost doubtful.
Talking to this scibe, senior MQM leader from Punjab Zahid Malik said the MQM Public Coordination Committee would announce its final decision within a day or two, as the party Chief Altaf Hussain sought the opinion of its party members and public in this regard. Muttahida, he said, supported the PPP-led government when it had not a simple majority and it played its positive role as a coalition partner at every moment. He came down hard on the Interior Minister Rehman Malik saying that they knew him since the time he was additional DG FIA and their party by giving its vote rendered him successful for the Senate seat.
It is worth mentioning here that the estranged coalition partner MQM was won back by PPP in the cabinet a couple of months before when Muttahida parted ways with the government on different issues.
The major hurdle at that time between the two parties regarding the revival of magistracy system in Sindh was also removed during last annoyance of MQM, sources said. Earlier, the MQM had announced its return to coalition after its demand of withdrawing decision of hike in the prices of petroleum were met but it had refused to join the cabinet.

Who Killed Saleem Shahzad?

Courageous Pakistani journalist Syed Saleem Shahzad, who had scored major scoops on al Qaeda and the Taliban, was abducted and brutally murdered this week. Was the ISI, the country’s shady intelligence agency, to blame? Ron Moreau, Fasih Ahmed, and Marvi Sirmed report on the ISI’s history of intimidation—and why Shahzad’s death may have been a bloody warning to scare off their critics in the media.

May 31, 2011 2:24 PM EDT

About 6 p.m. on Sunday, Syed Saleem Shahzad left his house in Islamabad for the short drive to a Pakistani television station where he was scheduled to appear on a political talk show. The hard-hitting investigative journalist never got there. Instead, he disappeared—picked up by Pakistani intelligence, it's widely believed. Human Rights Watch's country representative in Pakistan, Ali Dayan Hasan, tells The Daily Beast he "put out feelers" when he heard that Shahzad had gone missing and was led to believe "through unspecified but credible sources" that Shahzad was in the custody of agents from Pakistan's powerful Inter-Services Intelligence Directorate. Hasan says his understanding was that Shahzad would be home by Monday night. He adds that Shahzad's family was given the same assurances. Shahzad's wife reportedly got an anonymous phone call on Monday saying her husband would be home in the next 24 hours.

Syed Saleem Shahzad in 2006. (Banaras Khan, AFP / Getty Images)

It was not to be. On Tuesday Shahzad's abandoned car and his wristwatch were found about 100 kilometers from Islamabad. His dead body was discovered in a canal several kilometers from that spot. There were marks of torture on his face and body, and he had been killed by a blow to the chest. Shahzad, 40, was the latest Pakistani journalist to die under mysterious circumstances. Since 2010, 15 Pakistani journalists have been killed, making Pakistan one of the world's most dangerous countries for the profession, according to Reporters Without Borders.

Shahzad, a father of three, covered a particularly dangerous beat—and landed stories that no one else had. In 2008 he interviewed the bloodthirsty Pakistani Taliban leader Baitullah Mehsud, who would be killed in a drone strike the following year. And two years ago he scored an interview with Ilyas Kashmiri, the al Qaeda-affiliated jihadist believed to have masterminded the 2008 terrorist rampage that left more than 160 dead in Mumbai. Shahzad's latest book, Inside al Qaeda and the Taliban: Beyond bin Laden and 9/11, has just been published, and only two days before his disappearance he posted a story onAsia Times Online about the deadly May 22 attack on Karachi's Mehran naval air station. "Al Qaeda carried out the brazen attack on the PNS Mehran naval air station in Karachi on May 22 after talks failed between the navy and al Qaeda over the release of naval officials arrested on suspicion of al Qaeda links, an Asia Times Online investigation reveals," Shahzad wrote.

“We don’t know if the ISI killed him,” Hasan says, “but the manner of his killing is consistent with the other murders where there has been credible evidence of ISI involvement.”

Pakistan's TV news outlets, known more for their passion than for accuracy, have all but accused the ISI of Shahzad's abduction and death. The ISI and other Pakistani intelligence entities have a history of intimidating—and sometimes abducting—outspoken, unruly, and uncooperative reporters and politicians. Umar Cheema, a first-rate reporter for one of the country's largest English-language dailies, The News, published some articles critical of Pakistan's armed forces and got a warning from the ISI. "They approached me," he tells The Daily Beast. "They said what they wanted to say, and in a nice manner. Going by what I'd heard, I feared they wouldn't be so nice in future—that the next message would be a harsher one."

Cheema was driving home from dinner in Islamabad last Sept. 4 when a group of men in black commando-style shirts stopped his car, blindfolded him, and took him to a house where he was stripped, beaten, and videotaped in humiliating positions. He believes they were ISI. "They continue to deny it, but I'm convinced it was them," he says. Nevertheless, he says, it's too soon to accuse the ISI of killing Shahzad. "His beat was al Qaeda and the Taliban," says Cheema. "So it could be them. But if it's not the ISI then they [the ISI] need to locate the people who did this, because they certainly can." Cheema is more concerned than ever for his own safety. "Obviously I feel really vulnerable," he says. "We need an independent commission to look into [Shahzad's death]."

Shahzad became fearful for his family and himself after being summoned to the ISI's Islamabad headquarters last October. The next day he sent an email to Hasan of Human Rights Watch, describing his meeting with Rear Adm. Adnan Nazir, director general of the ISI's media wing, and Commodore Khalid Pervaiz, Nazir's deputy. They demanded that Shahzad explain an Asia Times article he had written in which he alleged that Pakistan had released Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, the Afghan Taliban's former second in command who had been arrested the previous February. Admiral Nazir, according to Shahzad's notes, said that the "story had caused a lot of embarrassment for the country" and suggested that Shahzad write a retraction.

Shahzad refused, calling the idea "impractical." He said the story was leaked to him by "an intelligence channel"—meaning an ISI agent—and confirmed by "credible" Taliban sources. Shahzad's email said the conversation with the ISI officials was held in an "extremely polite and friendly atmosphere." But Admiral Nazir seemed to interject a note of menace at the end, informing Shahzad that the ISI had recently arrested a terrorist who had a lot of material in his possession, including a hit list. "If I find your name on the list," Shahzad quoted him as saying, "I will certainly let you know."

Shahzad's email to Hasan explained: "I am forwarding this email to you for your record only if in case something happens to me or my family in the future." After the meeting at ISI headquarters, according to Hasan, "he said he was being followed and receiving threatening phone calls." Nevertheless, Hasan adds: "He'd factored this into his life and kept going."

Although it's too early to accuse the ISI, Hasan says, he nevertheless thinks the directorate has to be a top suspect. "We don't know if the ISI killed him," Hasan says, "but the manner of his killing is consistent with the other murders where there has been credible evidence of ISI involvement. The fact is that no military or intelligence personnel are ever punished for crimes that may have been perpetrated by them." Asked about his own safely, he replies: "I'm fine until further notice."

But the ISI has been in a defensive crouch ever since the discovery of Osama bin Laden living comfortably just down the street from the country's military academy. Pakistani journalists on Shahzad's difficult and dangerous beat fear that the ISI may have made an example of him in order to scare them off of criticizing the directorate. "The ISI is under fire at home and abroad, so perhaps it has just sent a very bloody and scary message to the rest of the media here," says a Pakistani journalist, asking not to be named.

The Daily Beast visited Shahzad's widow after his body was found. Aneeta Saleem sat in shocked disbelief on the corner of a bed. Trauma seems a small word for the expressions on their three children. The youngest, 7-year-old Rehman Shah, was completely focused on trying to make his mother smile. "Mom, you still not happy?" he kept asking. "When will you smile?" His mother only looked at him helplessly.

She said she wants no criminal charges filed, nothing said to accuse any institution or organization, no autopsy. The case should be buried with her husband, she insisted. On a television in the room, a newscast showed pictures of his battered corpse. "My handsome husband!" she said. "Just look what they have made of him."

— with Marvi Sirmed, a governance specialist, freelance journalist, and founder and editor of the political blog site Baaghi

Ron Moreau is Newsweek’s Afghanistan and Pakistan correspondent and has been covering the region for the magazine the past 10 years. Since he first joined Newsweek during the Vietnam War, he has reported extensively from Asia, the Middle East and Latin America.

Fasih Ahmed is the editor of Newsweek Pakistan. He won a New York Press Club award for Newsweek's coverage of Benazir Bhutto's assassination. Ahmed was also the inaugural Daniel Pearl fellow and worked at The Wall Street Journal's Washington, D.C., bureau in 2003. He graduated from Columbia University and lives in Lahore.

Story of PNS Mehran told by Rehman Malik-

Malik talks to the media after PNS Mehran operation in Karachi. PHOTO: REUTERS

KARACHI: Interior Minister Rehman Malik has said that 10 people have been martyred and four terrorists have been confirmed killed in the operation between militants and security forces at the PNS Mehran base.

Talking to the media after a survey of the PNS Mehran base in Karachi, Malik said security forces launched a coordinated operation to regain control of the navy base.

“We wanted to bring all the logistics under one command against the enemy,” said Malik, adding that navy forces were assisted by commandos, firemen, Rangers and police.

He said that among the six terrorists present at the site, one suicide bomber’s head had been recovered, while four bodies were also found. He added, however, that two individuals were seen running off the base.

Malik mentioned that one terrorist, whose picture was shown, was ready to blow himself up.

The interior minister mentioned that the terrorist’s suicide jacket was still operational and there were several undetonated grenades on the site as well, adding that there might be explosives in the building which collapsed.

The terrorists had been using heavy weaponry, said Malik, “the kind no common man can afford to buy”.

He said the terrorists had to be receiving support and equipment from somewhere.

Malik said the terrorists were wearing “western clothes, had small beards and three of them had sharp features”.

He said two of the attackers look to be around 22 years of age and one of the suicide bombers was around 25 years of age. He said they were dressed in black clothes “like they do in movies”.

‘They were dressed like Star Wars characters,’ said Malik.

Joint investigation team formed

Malik said an investigation team led by the navy has been formed and will include members from the FIA, police, Rangers and other intelligence units. Malik said that team has been asked to file the report as soon as possible.

He added that terrorists were planning attacks on sensitive installations and army institutions, and that names of several officials who they were planning on attacking had come forward.

The interior minister said there was a chance the terrorists might carry out another operation.

Special tribute

“I want to pay special tribute to martyred Lieutenant Yasir, who gave up his life and saved valuable lives and assets,” Malik added.

He also acknowledged the services of the firemen and other security personnel who lost their lives.

“We are fighting a war against a cunning enemy,” said Malik, urging people to condemn those trying to destabilise Pakistan.

Foreigners present, but safe

Malik confirmed that six Americans and 11 Chinese citizens were present at PNS Mehran when the terrorists took over.

“The foreigners were all evacuated from the base. They were training our men about these aircrafts.”

Dharna disfavour

Referring to Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf’s sit-in on Sunday, Malik said that Rangers’ attention had been diverted from sensitive targets and deployed at the dharna site.

“Please have mercy on Pakistan. Do not divert attention of Rangers, police and intelligence agencies. Please do dharnas when your county can bear it,” said Malik.

Time Line story Of PNS Mehran attack

The attack on PNS Mehran in Karachi is the latest in a series of attacks on the armed forces of Pakistan outside the warzone.

Here is a timeline of some of the major attacks on Pakistan’s armed forces:

March 24, 2008: Suicide bombers attacked Pakistan Navy War College in Lahore, killing four people and injuring 23.

October 10, 2009: Ten terrorists dressed in army uniforms attacked the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi, resulting in the death of six army personnel. A Brigadier and a Lieutenant Colonel were among those killed in the attack claimed by the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

December 4, 2009: At least 36 people were killed and 83 injured when six suicide bombers opened fire and hurled grenades at worshippers gathered inside the Parade Lane Mosque off Peshawar Road in Rawalpindi. All six suicide bombers were believed to have blown themselves up during the attack. The dead included a brigadier, a colonel, two lieutenant colonels, two majors, three soldiers and 17 children. The TTP had claimed the attack on the mosque.

April 26, 2011: Twin blasts targeted two Pakistan Navy buses carrying officials in Karachi. The blast resulted in the death of four and 56 others were injured. The TTP once again claimed these attacks.

April 28, 2011: A bomb ripped through a Pakistan Navy bus near PNS Karsaz, resulting in the death of five people and injuring 13 others. TTP spokesman claimed the attack which killed four navy personnel.

KARACHI: A spokesman for Pakistan’s Navy said Monday that the PNS Mehran base in Karachi was back under control, 17 hours after militants attacked with guns, bombs and rockets.

In an ongoing operation at one of Pakistan’s main military bases, security forces are engaged in a battle against militants who stormed the base late Sunday night. At least 15 security officials have been killed in the operation that continues on Monday morning.

More than 10 terrorists late Sunday attacked the PNS Mehran base on Shahrah-e-Faisal Road, Karachi. At least 15 people, including Navy and Rangers personnel died in the attack.

Towering flames arose from inside the PNS Mehran compound throughout the night.

End of live updates

3:50 pm

Pakistan Navy official said several terrorists have been killed but did not confirm the number. The bodies have been shifted to an unknown location.

3:40 pm

The Pakistan navy has issued an official statement that the operation to kill or capture terrorists who had taken over the compound is over.

Spokesperson added that all the naval assets at PNS Mehran have been secured.

3:20 pm

Express 24/7 correspondent Shaheryar Mirza reports that Interior Minister Rehman Malik who was expected to talk to the press, has left the navy base without making any comment.

3:10 pm

There were about 30 to 40 journalists gathering outside, with seven satellite dishes attached to their trucks.

Helicopters buzzed overhead and the main road outside was closed to traffic. Moin Babar, 35, a technical engineer, said people were trying to understand how the militants made it inside.

“I heard that 15 went in through a sewer,” he said.

Kamran Khalil, 48, a civil engineer, suggested, like many others, a conspiracy. “How can this happen? It’s taking them so long to resolve the issue. India or the CIA could have been behind this. They want to show that Pakistan forces are ineffective.”

Many in Pakistan were furious with the US operation to kill bin Laden without sharing any intelligence beforehand with Islamabad, which they saw as a severe breach of sovereignty.

“This is all a reaction to American policy in Pakistan,” said Atif Ali, a 30-year-old construction worker.

3:00 pm

As troops wound down their assault, some Karachi residents said they could not believe security could have been so lax, Reuters reports.

“If these people can just enter a military base like this,then how can any Pakistani feel safe?” asked Mazhar Iqbal, 28, engineering company administrator taking a lunch break in the shade outside the complex where a crowd had gathered.

“The government and the army are just corrupt. We need newleaders with a vision for Pakistan.”

2:50 pm

Talking to Express 24/7 Brigadier Ghazanfar Ali said that the terrorists had a mechanism in place for targetted attacks on naval assets.

“This attack is possible without inside help, but the possibility cannot be ruled out,” he said.

He added that if taken alive, these terrorists can give valuable information on the groups they are affiliated with.

“There agenda is that Pakistan should be destabilizsed. The message being sent out is that Pakistan nuclear assets are not safe” he said.

2:30 pm

Tribune reporter Mahnoor Sherazee says the martyred navy officials and injured have been shifted to PNS Shifa and PNS Rahat hospitals. She reports that journalists are not allowed to enter the building.

2:00 pm

The operation to regain control of the Karachi naval base assaulted by Taliban militants has been completed after almost 16 hours of fighting with up to 20 assailants holed up in a building, a security official told Reuters from inside the base.

“The operation is over. The main building has been cleared,” the official said. “For precaution, we are continuing search around for any more terrorists but the main operation is over.”

1:25 pm

Talking to Express 24/7, retired Air Commodore Jamal Hussain said security officials will not announce that operation is complete “till they are absolutely certain the compound is secure.”

“Even if they suspect that one militant is at large, they will not announce that it is over,” he said.

1:05 pm

Express 24/7 correspondent Mirza says the operation has drawn to a close after 14 hours. One helicopter  is still circling the area for surveillance purposes.

12:45 pm

The naval officer shot dead at PNS last night was identified as Lt Syed Yaser Abbas, son or (R) Col Syed Jaffar Abbas. His picture can be

12:40 pm

Naval Chief Admiral Nauman Bashir arrives at PNS Mehran base.

Security forces are in the final stage of ending an hours-long siege by Taliban militants of a naval airbase, security officials said on Monday.

“The operation has not finished yet, but is nearing an end,”one security official said. “It’s in the final stages.”

12: 20 pm

Interior Minister Rehman Malik has arrived at the navy base and will brief the media once he is given details of the operation.

“A major area has been cleared,” Malik told reporters. “The sweeping process is continuing.”

Express 24/7 correspondent Shaheryar Mirza reports that high ranking navy officials have left the area, an indication that the operation may be over.

12:15 pm

Talking to Express 24/7, security analyst Ikram Sehgal said “Today the Pakistan Navy is blind; its eyes and ears are gone,” adding that anti-sub capability, electronic intelligence capability, radar capability are all gone.

“We can equate this situation to 9/11. It is a very grave situation,” said Sehgal, adding that neighbouring countries may be involved in planning this attack.

11:25 am

Talking to Express 24/7, Naval spokesperson Irfanul Haq said the operation is underway and security officials are working hard to minimise casualties and damage to naval assets.

Haq confirmed that 12 navy officials have been martyred and 14 injured

11:05 am

Prime minister Yousaf Raza Gilani has phoned Navy chief to dicuss the ongoing operation.

Navy official says officials are “taking maximum care” so as to preserve naval assets.

10:50 am

Ambulances and security vehicles are rushing to the navy base once again.

Two firemen have reportedly been killed in the operation.

“A (single-storey) building in the premises is still under their occupation from where they are exchanging fire with our soldiers,” Interior Minister Rehman Malik told AFP.

10:40 am

Firefight resumes at navy base after 30-minute pause. Security forces are engaged in operation to capture militants alive. Loud shots heard in the vicinity, indicate heavy battle underway at navy base.

Express 24/7 correspondent Ahmed Jung reports that half of the navy base has been secured by security officials and militants have been restricted to one building.

10:30 am

Navy chief says the operation is “heading in the right direction and the situation will be reverted very soon.”

No sounds of gunfire or explosions heard near navy base.

10:25 am

Express 24/7 correspondent Shaheryar Mirza reports taht 30 Frontier Constabulary officials have arrived at the site.  About 200 SSG commandos and rangers are deployed as back-up for the operation.

Mirza adds that there is no official word from the armed forces and police and intelligence officials do not have details on the ongoing operation.

10:20 am

The navy base under attack is 15 miles (24 km) from the Masroor Air Base, Pakistan’s largest and a possible depot for nuclear weapons.

“They (militants) were carrying guns, rocket-propelled grenades (RPG) and hand grenades. They hit the aircraft with an RPG,” Navy spokesman Commander Salman Ali said of the militants.

10:15 am

Talking to Express 24/7, defence analyst Lt Gen (R) Talat Masood said that the militants had sent out a clear message to Pakistani security forces.

“They want to weaken the security insitutions one by one,” he said, adding that the attack was planned with precision.

“They are growing more and more powerful. The state is getting weaker and more helpless.”
10:10 am

Express 24/7 correspondent Shaheryar Mirza reports that sounds of gunfire and explosions have halted, however it is not clear if this signals the end of the operation.

“There is complete silence in the area, but this could be a delaying tactic,” said Mirza.

10:00 am

Express 24/7 correspondent Shaheryar Mirza reports that a man has been arrested from the area due to suspicious activity.

The man was reportedly viewing the ongoing operation through binoculars from a high point.

9:50 am

Express 24/7 reporter Ahmed Jung confirms that sophisticated LMG rifles, rocket launchers and Russian hand grenades have been used by the militants in the ongoing battle. The terrorists were dressed in black clothes.

Sources say 6 terrorists have been killed, however their bodies have not been dragged out of the base.

9:40 am

Taliban said that the team of militants they sent into Karachi’s PNS Mehran naval base Sunday night had enough supplies to survive a three-day siege.

“They have enough ammunition and food and they can fight andsurvive for three days,” Taliban spokesman Ehsanullah Ehsan told Reuters.

9:35 am

Two P3C Orion aircrafts have reportedly been destroyed by militants in the attack.

9:25 am

Express 24/7 reporter Ahmed Jung says 26 have explosions have so far taken place at the navy base in the last 12 hours.

Two helicopters are circling the military base in the ongoing operation, and security forces are trying to capture terrorists alive in order to interrogate them.

“Security forces want to know how the militants could enter a base where security is so strict that not even a camera is allowed inside,” says Jung.

9:20 am

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the brazen attack on the base by 15-20 gunmen, saying it was to avenge the killing of al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden on May 2, AFP reports.

“It was the revenge of martyrdom of Osama bin Laden. It wasthe proof that we are still united and powerful,” Ehsanullah Ehsan told Reuters by telephone from an undisclosed location.

3:15am

Navy spokesman confirms five people have been killed in the attack — four Navy personnel and one Rangers personnel.

Interior Minister Rehman Malik has arrived in Karachi.

2:52am

A few minutes back massive gunfire forced media personnel to lie down on the ground, reports Ahmed Jung. Fire is still erupting from the spot.

The gun battle has lasted 5 hours.

The Shah Faisal colony drain line leads to a small wall, which allows entrance into the base, says Jung. This was the likely route the terrorists took.

2:24am

An official speaking on condition of anonymity says at least 4-5 terrorists have been shot dead, but the aim of the operation is to catch the militants alive.

Fire has erupted again as fire fighters paused efforts due to an on going gun battle.

Heavy gunfire is ongoing at PNS Mehran, confirms Express 24/7 reporter Ahmed Jung.

2:15am

Confirmed reports that Lieutenant Yasir and a fireman, Khalilur Rehman have been killed in the line of duty.

2:05am

The fires on the PAF base have been completely extinguished, confirms Express 24/7 reporter Ahmed Jung.

Shah Faisal number 5 area sewerage line was used to enter PNS Mehran, say sources on-ground.

“They were equipped with sophisticated weapons,” navy spokesman Commodore Irfanul Haq told Reuters.

Interior Minister Rehman Malik said the militants had attacked from the rear of the base. “We have been able to confine them to one building and an operation is underway either to kill or capture them.”

The Karachi attack evoked memories of an assault on Pakistan’s Army headquarters in the town of Rawalpindi in 2009, and revived concerns that even the most well-guarded installations in the country remain vulnerable.

1:50am

Terrorists used a sewerage line behind the PNS Mehran to enter the base, unconfirmed reports suggest. Rangers have been deployed at the entrance of the line.

Law enforcement agencies from many towns have been called in to surround the entire base to ensure the terrorists do not escape, confirms Express 24/7 reporter Ahmed Jung.

1:38pm

Ahmed Jung reports that oil tankers exploding due to the fire are the likely cause for the recent blasts on the base.

Emergency services are confirming at least one death in the attack.

It is expected the search operation will continue till daylight as the base is kilometres long.

1:24am

Director General PR, Pakistan Navy, Irfanul Haq has confirmed two injuries — one sailor and one officer, both of whom are in critical condition. No foreigner has been killed in the attack, he says. Haq also confirms damage to one P3 Orion aircraft.

Another Navy source say the terrorists stormed the base with rockets, attack the P3 Orion and then snuck in further during the fire caused by the plane. The fire also spread to two other planes in the hangar.

1:15am

A 10th explosion has been reported on the PAF base by Tribune reporter Faraz Khan.

President Asif Ali Zardari has condemned the attack.

1:10am

CID police and Army personnel were inside for an hour, however, CID officials are exiting says Ahmed Jung reporting for Express 24/7.

As yet, only fire brigades have been let inside.

The identities of the alleged four dead in the attack have not been confirmed.

12:58am

Tribune reporter Faraz Khan reports another blast in the PAF compound.

Pakistan Navy Spokesman confirms there are no casualties and only two people have been injured so far. He has confirmed that the P3 Orion aircraft was attacked.

Navy depot and a godown was attacked as well, say initial reports.

Firing is continuing inside the PAF base.

The fire in the compound has died down substantially.

DG PR Navy Irfanul Haq also confirms two injuries in the attack.

12:50am

Fire has spread to three locations confirms Ahmed Jung reporting for Express 24/7. Fire is still visible where the terrorists first attacked.

Special forces including Army personnel and CID police have arrived to fight the terrorists inside the base.

Earlier reports that Americans were present when terrorists targeted P3C Orion plane have been refuted by a US Embassy spokesman.

12:49am

Terrorists entered from the back of the base, say sources. They had information regarding what aircrafts were inside. The attack was well planned.

12:28am

Terrorists used rockets in the attack confirm reports.

Firing is continuing inside the base sporadically, says Tribune reporter Faraz Khan. However, he says there has been no new blasts as reported elsewhere in the media.

Army commandos are on the spot.

12:18am

Sources say that the initial target of the terrorists was the P3C Orion plane. The plane has reportedly been destroyed.

“This plane acts as the eyes and ears of the Pakistan Navy” says security analyst, Ikram Sehgal. The plane functions as a form of radar.

AFP updates — “It’s a terrorist attack. More than 10 terrorists are inside. They have attacked a navy air station located in a Pakistan Air Force base,” said provincial home ministry official Sharfuddin Memon.

“One of the four aircraft inside the premises has been damaged,” he added.

12:09am

American teams were working on the plane which came under attack.

P3C Orion is the name of the plane. It is a four-engine turboprop anti-submarine and maritime surveillance aircraft.

12:05am

Ahmed Jung reporting for Express 24/7 a hunt for terrorists is on going inside the base. Fire fighters have managed to get the fire under control.

A specific plane inside the base may have been a target.

11:55pm

At least four members of the PAF have been reportedly killed in the attack, says Ahmed Jung from Express 24/7. The Interior Ministry reported this casualty figure to the Chief Minister house.

However, no emergency vehicles have gone into the base.

Emergency has been announced in all Karachi hospitals.

11:50pm

CCTV cameras are monitoring the situation inside — it is confirmed that terrorists are inside and they have targeted PNS Mehran and PNS Faisal, says Faraz Khan reporting for The Express Tribune.

Four to five spots have been targeted within.

It is also possible a hangar and a navy depot has been targeted.

ISPR’s Major General Athar Abbas has confirmed there is an attack ongoing inside.

11:45pm

Media and emergency services have not been allowed to enter the base so far. Only fire brigades have been let in.

Earlier this month in Karachi, the Navy had come under attack, with multiple bombs targeting buses.

11: 34pm

Rangers, wing commander’s vehicle and up to five other cars have have gone inside the burning base.

The attack is specifically targetting PNS Mehran, confirms Faraz Khan reporting for Tribune.

Interior Minister Rehman Malik has confirmed that this is a terrorist attack.

11:30pm

Pakistan Navy is trying to put out the fire inside the base. Interior Minister Rehman Malik has confirmed that this is a terrorist attack.

11:26pm

Sporadic fire is continuing at the PAF base says Ahmed Jung reporting for Express 24/7.

The first fire rescue team has reached the spot.

11:20pm

Terrorists entered the base and there is an encounter on going report eye witnesses in the area say.

The Express Tribune correspondent Faraz Khan reports that hand grenades are likely being used according to the sounds from within the base.

There are reports of upto 6-12 terrorists inside the compound. Media standing about 2 kilometres from the blast site.

11:15pm

Reports are coming in that this is a coordinated attack. Security forces are allowing no one inside or out of the base.

Army housing and the PAF museum are also located within the compound.

11:12pm

Four major explosions have been heard so far, along with gunfire. It is as yet unclear whether there is a gun battle going on inside the air base.

Ahmed Jung reporting for Express 24/7 says Rangers, and police officials are on the spot at the PAF base.

11:10pm

According to initial reports a hand grenade was used in the attack and an attacker has been killed.

The force of the blast has shattered  surrounding buildings.

Heavy gunfire was also reported after the explosion. An eyewitness said that the blast took place near the gate of Faisal Base.

Police, rangers and rescue had reached the site of the blast.