London – 17 July 2000
Mr Altaf Hussain, MQM Founder and Leader, has strongly condemned the sentence of rigorous imprisonment, fine and disqualification by the “kangaroo court” of NAB against Dr Farooq Sattar, senior member of MQM Coordination Committee, former mayor Karachi and the parliamentary leader of MQM in the provincial assembly of Sindh. He termed this sentence as the continuation of policy of racism, chauvinism and ethnic cleansing of the Mohajirs by the Punjabi Establishment. He said that the sentence has not been awarded to Dr Farooq Sattar but it has been awarded to the 22 million Mohajirs living in the province of Sindh. He further stated that it is not a judgment of the court but it is a judgment of the Punjabi Establishment against the entire Mohajir nation. Mr Hussain termed this judgment as slaying of judiciary in the name of accountability.
Mr Hussain said that he has repeatedly warned that the continuation of the State sponsored oppression against Mohajirs will compel them to find other ways and means for their survival. He said that the Punjabi Establishment is continuing with its act of pushing the entire Mohajir nation towards the wall and this act will not prove conducive for the country. He said that the process of ethnic cleansing of Mohajirs has been underway for the past eight years and the recent judgment of the “kangaroo court” of NAB against Dr Farooq Sattar is a part of this ethnic cleansing.
Mr Hussain once again emphasised to the Establishment that the process of pushing the citizens of smaller provinces towards the wall must be stopped forthwith. He appealed to the public and the workers of the MQM to remain united, determined, calm and peaceful. He reiterated that any effort through oppression cannot weaken our resolve and determination. He said that we will continue our legitimate and peaceful struggle and by the grace of Allah will one-day reach our destiny.