MUTTAHIDA QUAMI MOVEMENT (MQM) CANCELLED
                ITS FACT-FINDING MISSION TO BALUCHISTAN

SPOKESPERSON OF AKBAR BUGTI CLAIMED THE MISSION
UNDESIRABLE FOR THE PEOPLE OF BUGTI TRIBE-ALTAF HUSSAIN

London-23 January 2006...Mr Altaf Hussain, founder and leader of Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) addressing the proud and honourable Baloch said that the MQM had formulated a Fact-Finding Mission for Balochistan consisted of representation of political parties, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and national and international electronic and print media to physically visit Balochistan and put forward a first hand report to the nation of the atrocities committed to the people of Balochistan. As a result of continued and prolonged discussion with Mr Shah Zain Bugti, grandson of Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti, it was decided that a Fact-Finding Mission would leave for Balochistan to gather first hand report by visiting Dera Bugti, Sui, Kohlu and different affected areas of Balochistan which would consist of 70 to 80 Members. Accordingly, we informed the press of the programme, schedule and made all the necessary arrangements, even invitations were sent requesting participation of the press, media, NGOs and prominent dignitaries.

Mr Altaf Hussain said that it was indeed very sad that suddenly Mr Shahid Bugti, the spokesperson of Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti informed that the people of the Bugti tribe do consider this Fact-Finding Mission undesirable and have expressed their dislike ness and he found it beyond him to convince them. Mr Altaf Hussain further elaborated that Mr Shahid Bugti further said Tribal Chiefs of Dera Bugti are also not happy with this visit and therefore, they refused to co-operate or facilitate this visit at all and it would be in the interest of MQM and the safety of the delegation not to visit because they cannot be responsible or provide guarantees to lives and security of the Members of the delegation. Mr Altaf Hussain tried to explain Mr Shahid Bugti that the visit would be in the interest of the people of Dera Bugti and Balochistan. He however, said that considering the backing off of the Bugti Tribe, he sadly had to cancel the visit of the Fact-Finding Mission. He further said that he was shocked and surprised as to why the Chiefs of the Bugti tribe opposed to this Mission while Muttahida Quami Movement is vociferously raising its voice for Balochistan and taking steps for the well being of the people of Balochistan? This opposition posed a question to the proud and honourable Baloch nation, he added.

Mr Altaf Hussain said that the Sardars of the Bugti tribes can keep Muttahida away from sending its Mission but message of its righteousness is spreading in all nooks and corner of the country and reaching out to the hearts of the people of Balochistan. He said that he was with the people of Balochistan yesterday, he is with them today and he would support for the people of Balochistan be forever and he would continue to raise his voice against the atrocities committed to the people of Balochistan. END////.