DR IMRAN FAROOQ SAID THAT THEIR PROTEST WAS AGAINST ATROCITIES AND EXCESSES AGAINST SINDH.

DR FAROOQ SATTAR DEMOCRATICALLY ELECTED MQM LEADER IS FACING INHUMAN TREATMENT AT ATTOCK FORT, AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW TO VOICE OF AMERICA (RADIO)

London, 28^th February 2000

Dr Imran Farooq, convenor of the MQM Co-ordination Committee has said that their peaceful protest was against government's excesses and illegal shifting of MQM democratically elected leader Dr. Farooq Sattar from Karachi to Attock Fort, and extreme Northern area of Pakistan, atrocities are being perpetuated our him.

In an exclusive interview to Voice of America, Dr. Imran Farooq disclosed that Dr. Farooq Sattar, parliamentary leader of MQM in suspended Sindh assembly and ex mayor of Karachi Metropolitan City has been detained in seven by seven ( 7ft * 7ft ) dark room, which lacks proper ventilation and sun light. He is being tried in "Kangro Court" set up especially for him there. Nobody is allowed to meet him. Our protest is against the inhuman treatment by the rulers of Pakistan.

 He further said that their protest is also against illegal dismissal of large number of employees form Pakistan Steel Mills and other government and autonomous organisations, without adopting any legal procedures and assigning any reasons.

In reply to a question whither he had talked to the government in this connection Dr. Imran Farooq said that he had talked to the concerned persons in the administration and presented our viewpoints to them. Even through newspaper, we appealed to the government, protesting illegal and disgraceful treatment meted out to Dr. Farooq Sattar and urged them to stop such atrocities, but no notice has been taken of our repeated requests. Even dismissal of employees from Pakistan Steel Mills and other organisations are continuing, having failed to get any relief, we had to give a call for peaceful strike.

Answering another question, Dr. Imran Farooq said that we have complete understanding of all legitimate, lawful, democratic and constitutional rights of the people of Sindh. We have to seek solution to these problems, that have arisen due to denying the collection of Octri and Highway Taxes by Federal Government and creating unemployment.

 Dr Imran Farooq further said that JSQM is a separate party, manifesto and separate organisation, we have our own manifesto and program. He said, he had contacted the Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA) and informed them about over stand point.