MQM WANTS TO ESTABLISH A DEMOCRATIC STRUCTURE RESEMBLING THE STRUCTURE OF THE UNITED STATES AND MANY EUROPEAN COUNTRIES – ALTAF HUSSAIN

 

London – 24 January 2001

 

Mr Altaf Hussain, founder and leader of Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM), addressing the members of the Co-ordination Committee of MQM at the Head Office of the party, commonly known as “Nine Zero” in Karachi over the telephone from London said that the MQM wants to keep the Federation of Pakistan intact. He said that the MQM, however, wants full provincial autonomy for the provinces in accordance with the spirit of the 1940 Resolution presented in Lahore. He emphasised that barring the Defence, Foreign Affairs and currency, all the subjects be devolved to the provinces.

 

Mr Altaf Hussain said that most of the people claim that demand for separate states were contained in the 1940 Resolution where the Muslims were in majority. He said that the MQM does not want separate independent states but full provincial autonomy for the provinces with the exception of three subjects namely, Defence, Foreign Affairs and Currency, which could be vested to the Federation. He said that God help those who are still confused even after this clarification.

 

Mr Altaf Hussain further elaborated that the MQM wants to establish a democratic structure resembling that of the United States and many of the European countries. He said that if anyone asks whether we wanted the “confederation”, tell them that we have defined in clear terms what we want and now it is up to their perception.

 

Mr Hussain suggested to the critics to look at the example of the United States where all states have their separate flags and supreme courts, which has not only unified but made the United States a super power of the world. Similarly, take the example of the Scotland, which has its own parliament, currency, football and other national teams participating in the world sporting events independent of the United Kingdom. From the United Kingdom separate teams under the banner of England, Scotland and Wales participate in sporting events throughout the world, which does not weaken the integrity of the United Kingdom. He said that the MQM is demanding the similar structure to save the Federation of Pakistan. The demand for the full provincial autonomy is for the integrity and solidarity of the Federation of Pakistan.  However, the same attitude of stubbornness and arrogance is continued as demonstrated in 1971 with the slogan of “Idhar hum, Udhar tum” (meaning we rule here and you rule there) instead of giving the due rights to the Bengalis.  He further stated that there is absolutely no harm in having separate flags and the supreme courts for the provinces, however, these subjects could be negotiated meaningfully and democratically settled. 

 

Mr Altaf Hussain urged all the concerned to understand the political thoughts, ideology and philosophy of the MQM, which ensures not only keeping Pakistan intact but would also make it prosperous and progressive. He claimed that Sheikh Mujib-ur-Rahman was termed anti-state for his six points despite Mujib-ur-Rahman’s flexibility in saying that the points were not sacrosanct and could be negotiated. Mr Altaf Hussain asserted that the act of communication and negotiations are the best means available for resolving the misunderstandings, differences and the problems. It is unfortunate that in our present political system we do not try to understand other’s political philosophy, we do not negotiate, we do not hold dialogues and discussions. He emphasised that there was no harm in stating that in a family where parents do not give in to just demands of their children, then naturally tensions continue to build up which eventually leads to the break-up of families.

 

Mr Altaf Hussain stressed that what the MQM is presently demanding, is with full sincerity and devotion to Pakistan after having witnessed the unrest amongst the people of the smaller provinces due to the sense of deprivation causing polarisation, which will eventually lead to its logical conclusion i.e. the increased hatred that would push the people to a stage where all the doors of negotiations would be found closed.  He said that his critics and the so-called self proclaimed patriots should not continue to act like an ostrich but demonstrate courage to demand sincere and meaningful dialogues and negotiations between all parties to find mutually beneficial solutions. It is up to them to come out of their hibernation and fearful state of their mind. He acclaimed all those members of the MQM Coordination Committee who are playing their positive roles within their capacity and capabilities.