ALTAF HUSSAIN PRAISES PRESIDENT MUSHARRAF ON HIS ADDRESS TO THE JOINT SESSION OF PARLIAMENT

PRESIDENT ASSURES THAT NECESSARY STEPS WILL BE TAKEN TO ERADICATE KAROKARI

London – 17 January 2004
While speaking with President General Pervez Musharraf over the phone from London, Mr Altaf Hussain praised him on his address to the joint session of Parliament.  Mr Hussain said that despite the hooliganism of the Members of opposition parties, the President following the democratic norms observed exemplary restraint and continued with his address, which illustrates that he believes in democracy and wants it to flourish in the country.  Mr Hussain also expressed his gratitude to the President for taking immediate steps on the issue of Shaista Alimani.  He appealed to the President to take proactive and concrete steps to ensure the eradication of the archaic and cruel custom of karokari. 

President Musharraf thanked Mr Hussain for congratulating him on his address and assured him that Shaista Alimani will be provided full protection and that necessary steps will be taken to eradicate karokari.