London – 14th August 2005: While addressing a public rally in Bannu, Pakistan the MQM Founder & Leader Mr Altaf Hussain has stated that 58 years ago, through a united struggle the Muslims of Subcontinent created Pakistan. History tells us that these courageous and determined people struggled for independence from the British occupation and for the freedom of the people of Subcontinent. The people of NWFP were also in the forefront of this struggle led by Ghaffar Khan also known as Bacha Khan and they also offered sacrifices. After the First and Second World War the British decided to leave but divided the Subcontinent to create two independent countries, i.e. India and Pakistan. The Muslims of undivided India under the leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah identified the need to create a separate homeland for the Muslims where they will be free to practice their religion. As a result the Movement was launched and Pakistan was created for the Muslims of undivided India. However, after the birth of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah announced that Pakistan has now been created and it will be brought alongside other developed nations where all citizens will be equal. After one year of independence, the Founder of Nation died and his right hand man Khan Liaquat Ali Khan was also brutally murdered during a public rally. Do the citizens of Pakistan have equal rights? Pakistan gained freedom from the British but unfortunately was occupied by their agents. The country has been divided into two classes, on the one hand jagirdars, waderas, army generals and bureaucrats and on the other the poor and middleclass people of the country. Since the independence in 1947 to date, a few families have been ruling the country in one form or other. Do the common citizens of Pakistan enjoy the same rights and privileges as enjoyed by the few privileged families? Is there a uniform system for all? There are separate schools for the children of that rich families where the children of poor and middleclass are not able to study because of they cannot afford the cost of school books imported from Britain and America. Similar situation prevails in the hospitals. The poor and middleclass citizens do not enjoy the same privileges as the rich. During elections the leaders of political and religious parties swear to resolve the issues and difficulties faced by the masses but after elections they sit in their air-conditioned cars and return to their palatial homes. The 98 percent poor and middleclass people of Pakistan are deprived in every walk of life including education, health and transport. Mr Hussain said that the plight of poor and middleclass can only be felt by someone who has faced the same difficulties. The reason why the grievances of poor and middleclass have never been addressed is because all the political and religious parties in Pakistan have not emerged from the grass root.
Mr Hussain asserted, “MQM is the only political party of Pakistan that has emerged from the poor and middleclass people and Altaf Hussain is the only leader who has surfaced from the ordinary people. Altaf Hussain has used bicycle, buses and minibuses for transportation. Altaf Hussain gave tuition to complete his education.” He said that he is aware of their difficulties and grievances as he himself has experienced it. His only house in Pakistan consist of 120 sq yards family home in Karachi. The only representative party of the poor and middleclass is the MQM. As a result of continued propaganda campaign against the MQM, the common man is now confused whether to join the MQM or not.
Criticizing the role of so-called mullahs and the so-called religious parties, particularly the Jamaat-e-Islami he said that its leader Qazi Hussain Ahmed talks of jihad and preaches to send the children of poor to Kashmir and Afghanistan to die whereas his own children are abroad for higher education. This is against the teachings and preaching of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) and his Companions who used to practice what they preached. He said that the MQM’s Islam is that of the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) and not of the so-called mullahs who have misguided the common man in the name of religion. He said that we refuse to accept the Hasba Bill and only believe in the Islam of the Last Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) who obligated the men and women to acquire knowledge, even if they have to go to China for it.
Addressing the President and Prime Minister Mr Altaf Hussain demanded to establish higher secondary school for girls in Shahbaz Azmatkhel and Fatimakhel, girls college in Nowrad and to upgrade the Bannu Airport into international airport. He appealed to the participants to vote for the success of Haq Parast candidates in the local bodies elections from Peshawar, Kohat, Lucky Marwat and Bannu. He also appealed to them to spread the message of the MQM in every nook and cornet of the country to bring about the revolution of the masses. He prayed to Almighty Allah for the success of the Movement and the success of the Haq Parast candidates in the forthcoming local bodies elections.