ALTAF HUSSAIN HAILS INDIAN FOREIGN MINISTER NATWAR SINGH’S VISIT TO PAKISTAN

London – 16 February 2005:Mr Altaf Hussain, founder and leader of Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) welcomed the Indian Foreign Minster Mr Natwar Singh to Pakistan.  Mr Altaf Hussain, in his statement said that the visit of the Indian Foreign Minister would not only be helpful in easing of the tensions but also developing a friendly and peaceful atmosphere between the two countries as well as bringing both the countries closer.

Mr Altaf Hussain demanded of the Government officials of Pakistan and the Indian Foreign Minster Mr Natwar Singh to also include the public demands of opening of the Khokrapar-Monabao borders, opening of the Indian Consulate in Karachi, starting of Ferry Services between Karachi and Mumbai and easing of the restrictions on the issuance of visas on the agenda and its resolutions besides dialogue on the issue of Kashmir, Srinagar-Muzaffarabad Bus Service and other bilateral issues.

Mr Hussain further said that during his visit to India, he had discussed these issues with the Indian leaderships including Mr Natwar Singh and re-iterated that during the visit of the Indian Foreign Minster, he once again strongly demands of inclusion of the above mentioned issues on the agenda of the talks between the Indian Foreign Minster and the official of the Government of Pakistan.