The following resolution was presented and unanimously adopted by the participants of the National Conference organized by the Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) in Karachi on 25th February 2006.
q Today’s National Conference demands that for the prosperity, development and national integrity of Pakistan it is essential that provinces are provided with more and more provincial autonomy; to strengthen the provinces instead of the centre – as it is in line with the demands of the 21st Century and all the developed countries of the world have adopted the same principle including United States of America and United Kingdom. Today’s National Conference, therefore, demands for the resolution of provincial autonomy issue before the General Elections of 2007 and the announcement of the framework and schedule of transferring power to the provinces, which will of great service to the nation and the country – and this is also the demand of the entire nation.
q Today’s National Conference demands that all the provincial conflicts and disputes be resolved through understanding and dialogue and not through the use of force. The ongoing action in Balochistan and the use of force be stopped immediately and the process of dialogue and negotiations be commenced as soon as possible. For this purpose, an All Parties Parliamentary Reconciliation Committee be formed, which should immediately visit Balochistan and play its role in bringing all the sides to the negotiation table. The Federal Government should also immediately ensure the implementation of the recommendations of the Constitutional and Political Committees on Balochistan. The documents and feasibilities of all the big projects in Balochistan to be presented in the special session of Balochistan Assembly with a view to accommodate the recommendations of the elected house.
q Today’s National Conference also demands for the abolishment of medieval feudal (jaagirdarana, waderana and sardarana) system from the country, which is essential for the development and prosperity of Pakistan. This will only be possible when the provinces will be provided with more and more autonomy.
q
Today’s National Conference strongly condemns the publication of blasphemous
cartoons of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) and appeals to the international
broadcasting organizations; print and electronic media not to publish and
broadcast such profane material, which result in hurting the sentiments of
followers of any religion.
Karachi – 25th February 2006-The Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) organized a national conference on “provincial autonomy and Balochistan situation” in Karachi on 25th February 2006. The participants of the conference included renowned political leaders, religious leaders, members of parliament, intellectuals, scholars, jurists, newspaper editors, office bearers of bar associations, representatives of human rights organizations, owners of newspapers and representatives of various NGOs. Amongst those were Leader of House in Senate of Pakistan Mr Waseem Sajjad from PML(Q), Federal Minister for Education Mrs Zubaida Jalal, Leader of PPP Sherpao Group Federal Minister Aneesa Zeb Tahirkheli, party leader and Provincial Minister Sardar Manzoor Pahnwar, Leader of Pakistan Awami Tehrik S M Zameer, Leader of Tehreek-e-Insaaf Zubair Ahmed, Leader of JUI Samee-ul-Haq Group Maulana Asad Thanvi, Former Chief Justice of Sindh High Court Justice Nasim Aslam Zahid, Leader of Pakistan Seraiki Party Taj Mohammad Langah, Rt Gen Hameed Gul, renowned scholars Jameel Uddin Aali, Jam Saaqi, M B Naqvi, Dr Farman Fathepuri, Prof Khaki Joyo, Dr Hakeem Lehri, Anwar Sajdi, Qazi Asad Abid and others. They highlighted and stressed on the need to resolve the Balochistan issue through dialogue. The National Conference started at 10am and continued till 8pm with a lunch break. The Conference was presided by MQM Deputy Convenor Dr Farooq Sattar. The Incharge of Coordination Committee in Pakistan Anwar Alam, Joint Incharge Abdul Haseeb, other Members of Coordination Committee, Haq Parast Federal and Provincial Ministers and Advisors, City Nazim Karachi Mustafa Kamal, Naib Nazima Karachi Mrs Nasreen Jalil, Haq Parast Members of National and Provincial Assemblies, Town Nazims of Karachi and large number of people from all walks of life attended the Conference. Consulate Generals and diplomats of friendly countries including Iran, Japan, Bangladesh, Italy, Russia, Afghanistan, Britain, Qatar and Saudi Arabia also attended the Conference. A documentary film by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan on Balochistan was also showed to the participants of the Conference. The national and international media was also present for the coverage of the National Conference. Amongst others present were also office bearers and members of Sindhi Media Forum, Karachi Press Club, Karachi Union of Journalists and Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists. Also present were columnists and political analysts from various newspapers.