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Rediff.com  » News » Pakistani Taliban vows to target politicians

Pakistani Taliban vows to target politicians

By Tahir Ali
Last updated on: January 25, 2010 16:45 IST
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After a temporary respite, in the unceasing suicide attcks on the Pakistani establishment, the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan plans to wreak havoc across the country with a fresh series of attacks, targetting the main political leadership of the country, Qari Hussain, Pakistani Taliban commander said. 

The terror group's attacks came to a halt after a series of drone attacks against them in the last two weeks. Some reports also surfaced that TTP was in disarray and had lost some of their key members including its chief Hakimullah Mehsud.

Qari Hussain, the head of Taliban Fidayeen Islam (suicide bombing squad) said, "Our enemies should not think that the Taliban are weak so they have slowed down their attacks, actually we have reshaped our policy, this time the fidayeen would attack the 'biggies' of the country. They are going to attack not only the bureaucrats but also the main political leadership of the country, who have always promoted a western agenda in an Islamic country."

Offended by the recent reports about the TTP chief's killing during a US drone attack, Qari Hussain, who also is Hakimullah's cousin, said, "Those who have celebrated the death of our Amir ( leader) should remember that we will cause constant grief to them."       

Qari Hussain Ahmad Mehsud is known for the indoctrination and training of suicide bombers. The federal government has announced 50 million Pakistani rupees reward for his killing. He is known for his actions against the Pakistani government installation and the killing of pro-government tribal elders.

Hussain is known for his anti-Shia stance and was previously affiliated with Lashkar-e Jhangvi, a banned outfit, which has been known to indulge in sectarian violence in Karachi. 

Hussain usually avoids questions about his background; however, he said, "Hakimullah is eight years older than me, I turned 22 a few days ago. I received early Islamic education at a local seminary, after which I went to the Jamia Farooqia Karachi. I speak Arabic and apart from TTP, I have also spent some time both with Iliyas Kashmiri group and the Lashkar-e-Jhangvi."

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Tahir Ali