PM says won't forgive those speaking against Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Monday said that Pakistanis cannot bear anything said against the homeland, and that those speaking against Pakistan cannot be forgiven.

"Pakistan is our home and we know how to safeguard the sanctity of our house," said the premier in response to controversial statements made by the London-based leadership of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM).

He promised the culprits would be accountable for every single word spoken against the country.

PM Nawaz said the inflammatory statements made in Karachi through a telephonic call from London hurt the sentiments of every Pakistan including him.

"We would not let anyone harm national security and prestige," he added.

The prime minister further said that we all rose from this soil and would also end up in it, adding, "It is a must for us to safeguard the dignity of the country along with its territory".

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said that those responsible must be arrested as soon as possible. He said that adequate security must be provided to journalists in Karachi.

Earlier on Monday evening, MQM workers turned to violence after being told by their party chief to surround the offices of Geo News, Samaa and ARY in Karachi.

During his address, the MQM supremo reportedly also made statements against Pakistan and urged activists to voice slogans against the country.

At least one person reportedly injured in the firing near Zainab market succumbed to his wounds at the hospital.

Two other people sustained injuries during the violent attacks in which around 2,000 party workers reportedly took part.

The workers also caused damage to shops located in Zainab market in the city's Saddar area forcing their closure. Traffic jams were witnessed in areas surrounding I.I.Chundrigar road, while the road leading to CM House was also blocked.

Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif telephoned DG Rangers Sindh and directed to maintain law and order situation in Karachi. The Army chief said that those who caused the mayhem must be caught at all cost.

DG Rangers during the phone call assured General Raheel that stern action would be taken against the miscreants and their instigators.