KARACHI, 23 April— Interior Minister Moinuddin Haider spurned Muttahida Qaumi Movement‘s talks offer and warned that those involved in incidents of arson and violence would be dealt with an iron hand. He told newsmen yesterday that there was no possibility of talks with the MQM in near future. He said those charged with arson will be handed down severe punishment. At least 50 vehicles were torched during the recent strike called by the MQM on water issue. Moin said that no one would be allowed to violate law. He asked the law enforcement agencies to provide protection to the people against miscreants and terrorists. Moin said the law enforcement agencies should devise a system to apprehend miscreants and lawbreakers so that no one could make the lives of the people miserable. The minister said the government was ready for talks as long as “genuine grievances are concerned but there is no point in holding talks on a non-issue.” Meanwhile, the MQM said the whereabouts of its leader Aftab Sheikh is not known and expressed fear police might torture him.
