STOP THE ARMY OPERATION IN BALOCHISTAN – ALTAF HUSSAIN
London – 1st August 2004:
MQM Founder Leader Mr Altaf Hussain has said that he is extremely saddened over
the army operation launched in various areas of Balochistan including Turbat,
Gwadar, Sui, Talar, Kohlo, Basholi, Makran and Chaman. He strongly demanded of
the Government of Pakistan to immediately stop this army operation and to
resolve the Balochistan issues through honourable dialogue. He reminded that
Balochistan has no comparison to FATA (Federally Administered Tribal Areas) and
in fact according to the country’s constitution it is one of the four
provinces of Pakistan. For a long period, the people of Balochistan have voiced
their grievances that their province is being deprived of its due share of its
own resources and also deprived of their legitimate rights.
Mr Hussain reiterated the MQM’s crystal clear policy on provincial autonomy
that for the stability of Federation it is essential that all provinces are
awarded full provincial autonomy. It has now become inevitable that a
round-table conference be convened comprising of true, genuine and recognized
leadership and intellectuals of Balochistan and smaller provinces to resolve and
alleviate the grievances of the people of Balochistan in particular and other
smaller provinces in general through amicable and honourable dialogue. He also
stressed upon the Federation to take serious notice of disenfranchisement and
grievances of the people of smaller provinces and not to use the brute State
force to suppress their legitimate demands. Articulating his personal views on
the issue, Mr Hussain said that he is extremely saddened over the recent
on-going army operation in Balochistan and that he and his party, the Muttahida
Quami Movement (MQM), share the sorrow and grief of the people of Balochistan.
Addressing the political and religious parties of the country, he asked why the
parties who raised vociferous objections over the recent army operation in South
Waziristan and Wana have expediently kept silent over the recent army operation
in Balochistan? He reminded that the areas in Balochistan where the army
operation is being conducted have been inhabited by the people of Balochistan
for centuries and do not contain any hideout or dens of foreigners, therefore,
the army operation against the people of Balochistan must be stopped forthwith
and all the issues be resolved through dialogues.
Addressing the Government of Pakistan, Mr Hussain said that the use of State
force against any community or people of a province does not strengthen national
integration or unity but on the contrary weakens it and therefore the national
and international scenario demands that the recent army operation in Balochistan
be stopped immediately. He also addressed the political and religious leaders of
the country, intellectuals, writers, columnists, journalists and people from all
walks of life to play proactive role in bringing an end to the army operation in
Balochistan.
In the end Mr Hussain expressed his and the MQM’s heartfelt condolences to the
family members of the Balochs who lost their lives in the current army operation
and prayed to Almighty Allah to grant their souls a place in Jannat-ul-Firdaus
and solace to the family members to bear this tragic loss.