Pakistan is Confronted with Challenges, the Nation must Unite
as it is the Need of the Time – Altaf Hussain
The Country is really encircled with Danger and the Unity is the
Need of the Nation - Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain

London-1 February 2008
The President of Pakistan Muslim League and former Prime Minister Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain met Mr Altaf Hussain, founder and leader of Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) at the MQM International Secretariat in London on Friday evening. The Secretary General of the Muslim League Mr Mushahid Hussain Syed and Secretary Information and former State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Mr Tariq Azim accompanied him. The Senior Deputy Convenor Tariq Jawaid of the MQM Central Co-ordination Committee and Members; Syed Salim Shahzad, Mohammad Anwar, Syed Tariq Mir and Mr Ashfaq Ahmed were also present. The meeting lasted for two hours during which the forthcoming General Elections scheduled for 18^th. February 2008, the political situation and matters of mutual interest were discussed. During the meeting, it was resolved that holding of the General Elections in free, fair, impartial, transparent and peaceful manner is essential for the promotion of democracy, political stability and development in the country.

During the conversation Mr Altaf Hussain said that Pakistan is confronted with serious dangers and the unity of the nation is the need of the time. He further added that the armed forces alone cannot save the country if the people are not behind it or the nation is disunited. He also emphasised that the nation be aware of the international conspiracies and putting their political or ideological differences aside shall demonstrate their complete unity. Their unity can defeat all conspiracies against the country. He also expressed his despair that while the country is engulfed in the dangers but the political opponents are further submerging the country in turmoil by staging demonstrations merely in opposition of President Pervez Musharraf instead of putting forward vision and policies. Referring to the General Elections, Mr Hussain said that MQM believes the Elections must be conducted impartially, fairly and transparently and whichever party achieves majority be given the opportunity to form the Government. He further added that all the political parties must endeavour to keep the Elections totally peaceful and restraining their workers from provocations and reactions because peace in fact, guarantees the promotion of democracy.

Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, the leader of the Pakistan Muslim League agreeing the views of Mr Hussain said that country is truly surrounded with dangerous situation and the nation truly deserves unity under the circumstances. Mr Shujaat Hussain commended the positive role of Mr Altaf Hussain for the stability of the country and said that Muslim League also desires that the Elections shall be conducted in free, fair and transparent manner as well as peacefully and all the parties shall play their role to ensure peaceful Elections on 18^th. February 2008.

President PML-Q Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, Secretary General Syed Mushahid Hussain and Information Secretary Tariq Azim met Mr. Altaf Hussain at MQM International Secretariat in London. Senior Deputy Convenor of the Coordination Committee Tariq Jawaid, Members M. Anwar, Tariq Meer, Saleem Shahzad and others also present.