RE PROMULGATION (SECOND AMENDMENT) OF ANTI TERRORISM ORDINANCE 1999 IS UNCONSTITUTIONAL AND UNDEMOCRATIC - ALTAF HUSSAIN

28 August 1999
London

Mr. Altaf Hussain, founder and leader Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) said that on the call of peaceful meetings, rallies and general strike by MQM to protest against the general sales tax; high cost of living; increase in the tariff of gas, electricity and consumer goods and the demand for the reduction of the incidence of excessive taxation and payment of due share to Sindh from the Federal Receipts, the Government has been completely baffled, confused and enraged.

He said that instead of addressing the issues and redressing the grievances of the toiling millions, the present rulers seems to have brazenfacedly decided to prevent peaceful political activities and demonstrations through ruthless administrative measures. He further stated that the latest, in the series of repressive measures, is the re-promulgation (Second Amendment) of the Anti Terrorism Ordinance 1999. Mr. Altaf Hussain said that convinced of the success of the scheduled public Meeting of 3^rd September by MQM and of the General Strike on 4^th September by MQM, PPP, JI and other political groups, the Government has been so unnerved that "Civil Commotion" as defined in the existing Ordinance has been so redefined in the amended Ordinance that whosoever goes on peaceful strike is liable to punished for seven year imprisonment.

Mr. Altaf Hussain said that the Anti Terrorism Ordinance had been amended for the fist time in May 1999 on the directive of the Supreme Court. He further stated that ever since, National Assembly met many a time, but the present rulers lacked courage to get it passed as an Act of Parliament, apprehending great opposition even from within the Muslim League Party despite Mr. Nawaz Sharif boasts to be the champion of democracy having two third majority. What an irony! He said that the so-called democrat is shy to face the elected Assembly.

Mr. Altaf Hussain assured that the MQM has no desire to demonstrate its strength or to malign the ruling Government for personal or Party's gain. However, having failed all persuasion, appeals, entreaties to the Establishment including armed forces and all and sundry through print and electronic media, MQM had no option but to hold peaceful meetings, rallies and strikes, instead. Mr. Altaf Hussain said that the Government's designs to thwart such political activity through Ordinance would not overawe political parties like MQM and its members and supporters who are determined to serve the cause of the oppressed irrespective of their cast, creed, religion or ethnicity. He said "I earnestly hope that reign of terror will not be unleashed under the umbrella of the amended Ordinance by the Government". Any such attempt will only aggravate the political situation which is already volatile, he concluded.