PAKISTAN IS FACED WITH DIFFICULT SITUATION BECAUSE OF THE
WRONG POLICIES OF THE PAST – ALTAF HUSSAIN

London – 3^rd February 2008

Pakistan is today facing a very difficult situation and we must get united to safeguard our future and that of our next generation. When one is unarmed and the opponent has the power of might then one should use the intellect provided by the Allah Almighty to courageously and bravely face the situation. He was expressing these views while addressing the joint session of Defense Clifton Resident Committee (DCRC), Research and Advisory Council (RAC) and Muttahida Cultural Forum. Since the 1960s religious extremism has been promoted in Pakistan through a well organized planning and such terminologies were introduced that were never before used in Pakistan. These terminologies were not even used by the founders of Pakistan. For example the terminologies of “Ideology of Pakistan” and “Ideological boundaries” were used whereas in reality an ideology has no boundaries and neither it is dependent of geographical boundaries. Religion provides hope to the human being but when a nation is to be destroyed then it is made the victim of religious extremism. During the Cold War billions of dollars were pumped into Pakistan for the promotion of religious extremism and unfortunately our national institutions were also involved. The spread of religious extremism was carried out through those religious parties who had openly opposed the creation of Pakistan. As a result of this action our history has been distorted and dacoits, looters, plunderers and brutal and barbaric kings were made our heroes. Through promoting religious extremism Pakistan was used during the Cold War and when this Cold War transformed into an open war in Afghanistan then we were used in the forefront. In fact, this war was between America and Soviet Union but we were told that this is between the Islam and the kufr (infidels) and the reason given was that Americans are Ahle-Kitab (Followers of Holy Book) and therefore we must support America. Because of the wrong policies of the past Pakistan is facing difficult situation today. The international media is writing about the instability in Pakistan. In this scenario our unity is the need of time. We must think about the future and safety of ourselves and our coming generations because by burying your head in the sand one cannot avoid the danger. Cowardice, fear and dread cannot save you. When you are unarmed and your opponent has the power of might then one should use the intellect provided by the Allah Almighty to courageously and bravely face the situation.

Mr. Hussain said that he has been persistently repeating the above for the past 32 years but it has not been taken seriously. My sayings were twisted and a false propaganda was launched. He said that he has always preached to remain peaceful and observe patience and demonstrate tolerance. However, the right to defend is also provided in the United Nations Charter and also by all the religions of the world. He said that it is encouraging that now his teachings are being valued and understood. He said that after the assassination of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto on 27^th December, the MQM workers, supporters, office bearers and voters were targeted for three days in Karachi and Sindh in the name of reaction. Even the Sindhis, Punjabis, Pakhtoons, Baloch, Seraikis, Kashmiris and others communities who had joined the MQM were also targeted. Homes were looted; factories, industries, shops and vehicles were set ablaze. Estimated damage is worth billions of rupees. Trucks loaded with the Holy Quran were also burnt. Eleven innocent people were burnt alive including two Seraiki-speaking MQM workers. Even after this we continued to preach for peace and patience in the larger interest of the province and the country. Mr. Hussain said that he has never preached to fight and have always preached for peace and patience because we all want to live together peacefully and with love. “Today, I once again appeal to my workers and the public that to maintain the law and order situation they should continue to remain peaceful and not to get agitated. I also want the government and the state institutions to think that when in front of their eyes; the homes, shops and factories are being burnt, their loved ones are being murdered and their womenfolk being misbehaved, then for how long will the people continue to listen to my appeal”, he said. It is the responsibility of the Government and the State institutions to provide security to the life and property of the citizens and take action against those involved in loot, murder and plundering. Mr. Hussain informed that during his meeting with the President Pervez Musharraf he has briefed him on the situation and has demanded to provide compensation to those who lost their lives and property. He said that he does not have words to explain why the so-called human rights organizations, lawyer’s organizations and the so-called civil society who raise the slogan of independence of judiciary and human rights have surprisingly and criminally kept silent over these tragic incidents and have not issued a single statement of condemnation. Hundreds and thousands of people of Sindh lost their life savings. Their homes, shops, factories and cars were set ablaze and 11 people were burnt alive but the so-called champions of human rights kept silent.  Do they not consider the people of Sindh as human beings? The dual face of such human rights organizations, lawyer’s organizations and the so-called civil society has been unveiled in front of the public. Mr. Hussain said that all Pakistani citizens are equal regardless of the language they speak. We are no longer prepared to live as a second class or third class citizen of the country. We want to live with honour and therefore the basis of MQM’s manifesto is the slogan “Empowerment for All”. Everyone should have equal rights, everyone should have respect, peasant or farmer or feudal lord – they all should have equal rights. Pakistan is today faced with severe dangers therefore we need to get united – so everyone should be treated equally. He once again appealed to the workers and the public that General Elections are being held, therefore, they must observe patience and tolerance to maintain law and order. Do not get frightened and get prepared to fully participate in the elections and cast votes. By the Will of Allah Almighty – Haq Parast will be victorious.