BUGTI CALLS ALTAF HUSSAIN IN LONDON AND THANKS HIM ON HIS COURAGEOUS STANCE ON BALOCHISTAN ISSUE

London – 16 January 2005 The Leader of Jamhuri Watan Party (JWP) Nawab Akbar Bugti has thanked MQM Founder & Leader Mr Altaf Hussain on his courageous stance on the Balochistan issue. Speaking to Mr Hussain over the telephone at the MQM International Secretariat in London, he said that no one had the courage and audacity except Mr Altaf Hussain to raise their voice on the preparation of an army operation in Balochistan. He praised Mr Hussain on his courageous and bold statement and said that this has been a source of inspiration for the people of Balochistan, particularly for the Bugti tribe. Mr Altaf Hussain said that it is our duty to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Baloch people in this time of need and we will continue to raise our concerns and support them by all means. Mr Hussain said that we believe that everyone should raise their voice against oppression otherwise the atrocities continue against oppressed nations in turns. Nawab Bugti agreed with Mr Hussain that gas fields can be reconstructed but the honour of nation’s daughter cannot be restored.  Mr Hussain said that each and every MQM worker shares the grief of Baloch people. He said that the Baloch are humans and therefore must not be treated inhumanly. Referring to his discussions with the people at the helm of affairs, Mr Hussain said that he has advised them not to launch an army operation and instead adopt the path of negotiations and dialogue to reach a mutual agreement because military action is not the answer. He asked Nawab Bugti to convey his message to the people of Balochistan that he stands shoulder to shoulder with them in this time of need. Nawab Bugti again thanked Mr Hussain for raising his voice for the Baloch people. Both the leaders discussed the current political situation and agreed that the Balochistan issue must be resolved through peaceful dialogue and force must not be used.

MQM DOES NOT BELIEVE IN ARMY OPERATIONS FOR RESOLUTION
OF ISSUES – ALTAF HUSSAIN INTERVIEW TO VOICE OF AMERICA

London – 16 January 2005 Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) does not believe in army operation for resolving issues and will use all its influence to prevent confrontation. MQM Founder & Leader Mr Altaf Hussain stated this during an interview with the Voice of America on Sunday. Replying to a question he said that the situation in Balochistan is critical and the people of Balochistan are annoyed and saddened. The people of Balochistan have reservations on different issues and he demanded of the Government not to use force or launch an army operation. He said that use of force or army operation is not the solution, therefore, a round-table conference of Baloch nationalist leaders should be called. He said that MQM does not believe in resolution of issues through army operation and will continue to use its influence to prevent any confrontation. He appealed to the Baloch people to observe patience and remain peaceful; MQM will continue to make efforts for the resolution of Balochistan issue. Commenting on the statement of Muslim League leader Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, he said that if army operation is launched in Balochistan then the MQM Coordination Committee will take a unanimous decision, which will be conveyed via print and electronic media. He further said that the Coordination Committee would also decide whether to quit the Government at the Federal or Provincial Level or both. He said that Shujaat Hussain has assured that army operation will not be launched. Referring to Shujaat Hussain’s suggestion that Muslims League’s majority will not be affected if MQM quits the coalition, Mr Hussain said that MQM is a party of principle, and does not believe in army operation in any province including Punjab.