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.