Taliban warn Pakistan’s right-wing parties

KABUL (TTP) has warned right-wing political parties against using the name of Islam in their election campaigns, a media report said on Sunday.

In a letter to the religious parties, which hold considerable sway in Pakistan’s volatile tribal region and other northwestern areas, the group said: “Stop using religious anthems during the election campaign and corner and public meetings.”

The News quoted the TTP letter as saying the religious parties had not been sincere in implementing an Islamic system in the country. Candidates of the parties would be attacked if they ignored the warning, the outfit added.

On Saturday night, eight people were killed in election-related violence in the port city of Karachi. Gunmen among mourners opened fire in Liaquatabad, killing two motorcyclists, a local official said.

Another two men were killed in similar incidents in Shah Faisal Colony and Mekasa Apartment areas.

The gun attacks came hours after three bomb explosions rocked the city, killing four people and injuring 45 others. The blasts targeted the election office of the Mohajir Qaumi Movement and a corner meeting of the Pakistan People’s Party.

At least two PPP candidates were among the injured.

PAN Monitor/mud

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