MQM WILL NOT ALLOW TO TRANSFORM PAKISTAN INTO A THEOCRATIC STATE – ALTAF HUSSAIN

London – 25 December 2003
MQM Founder & Leader Mr Altaf Hussain has declared that MQM would not allow Pakistan to be transformed into a theocratic state because MQM believes in religious tolerance and will continue to struggle for the abolishment of feudal system and the establishment of middleclass order in the country.   He was addressing a mammoth MQM public gathering at RCD Malir in Karachi.

Mr Hussain said that today is the birthday of Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the Founder of Pakistan; who while addressing the Constituent Assembly on 11 August 1947 said that Pakistan will not be a theocratic state.  He said that today’s public gathering announces that according to the will and wish of the Founder of Pakistan, the MQM will not permit the transformation of Pakistan into a theocratic state.  No one will be allowed to spread hatred based on religion; followers of all religions and schools of thoughts will be free to practice their religion.  MQM will not permit any act of harming those who are practising their religions.  Mr Hussain reiterated that MQM is against extremism in all its forms and shapes; and it is the only political party, which has originated from the middle and poor class.  He reaffirmed that the only cure to religious extremism is the establishment of middleclass order and assured that MQM will continue to struggle peacefully for the abolishment of feudal system and establishment of middleclass rule so as to promote and progress Pakistan to be a democratic and moderate state.  He further emphasised that to save Pakistan and maintain unity, it is vital to provide full provincial autonomy to the provinces and the right to run the affairs of their governments.  He recalled that for the past 56 years, Sindh is the victim of injustices; therefore, the federal institutions and the Establishment must provide Sindh with its legitimate rights for the integrity of Pakistan.  The people of Sindh must be given the right to rule and also to resolve all the issues such as Kalabagh Dam, Thal Canal and NFC Award through public consensus.  The process of neglecting the public concerns and promoting hatred must end and instead of strengthening the federation due attention must be paid to strengthen the provinces because stronger provinces in turn will strengthen the federation.  Mr Hussain warned that if Sindh is not given its due share then not only the people of rural Sindh but also people from Karachi to Kashmore, will raise their voice against the continued injustices.

Mr Hussain directed the MQM office bearers and workers to forgive those who were forced into attending the terrorist offices.  He offered his tributes to all the martyrs of Malir and particularly the recently martyred MQM worker Shaheen at Tariq Road; and prayed to Almighty Allah to bless their souls.  He also paid his tributes to those who participated in organising such a mammoth public gathering in Malir.