Abdul Rasheed had become hostage to foreign extremists who did not enable
Rasheed Ghazi to resolve the issue in a peaceful manner--- Altaf Hussain.
Lal masjid Operation is a tragic and painful event. On the ‘shahadat (martyrdom) the members of armed forces or civilians, every one is sad.  We are sorry for those who lost their lives in Lal Masjid and Jamia Hafsa, pray for the departed souls and offer our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.
Conversation  on telephone  between Mr. Altaf Hussain , and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz  ChaudhryShujaat Hussain, Federal Ministers- Aftab Sherpao, Ejazul Haque, Muhammad Ali Durrani and Interior Secretary Syed Kamal Shah.

London 14^th July 07.

‘The analysis of the situation and the events’, in the words of Mr. Altaf Hussain- Leader and founder of Muttahida Qaumi Movement, ‘ revealed that though personally Abdul Rasheed had almost decided to resolve the issue peacefully, but he was deterred by the foreigners who were present in the Lal masjid and who had made him a hostage. These views were expressed by Mr. Altaf Hussain while talking to the Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, leader of Muslim League (Q), Interior Minsiter Aftab Sherpao, Religious Minister Ejazul Haque , Minister Information  Muhammad Ali Durrani  and  Secretary Interior Syed Kamal Shah yesterday( Friday the 13^th July) .Mr. Altaf Hussain discussed the whole issue with the above persons, not only relating to operation against the religious extremists of Lal Masjid  but also the situation arising as a result of the operation. He also appreciated the incessasant efforts made by these persons to resolve the isuue of Lal Masjaid  and Jamia Hafsa peacefully and amicably.

Mr Altaf Hussain added that the repeated illegalities that were committed by the administration and the students of Jamia  Hafsa had defamed Pakistan and Deen-e- Islam throughout the world. To resolve the issue through peaceful negotiations, Government showed great patience, but they were left with no option except to launch the operation. He also said that the operation against the illegal and armed occupants of Lal Masjid is a sad  and painful event and whosoever has lost their lives-whether members of the armed forces or civilians, were muslims and every one is in anguish for the loss of their lives. Adding, he said, we are also sorry for those who were killed in Lal Masjid and Jamia Hafsa and we pray to Almighty that their souls be kept in peace and also sympathizedwith the families of the bereaved.

Mr.Altaf Hussain observed that had these people accepted the advice of the Government and did not adopt violent means; this tragic event could not have taken place. He told the Prime Minister and others that the analysis of the events lead to the conclusion that the issue had been resolved peacefully without bloodshed, but unfortunately Abdul Rashid Ghazi who had almost agreed to resolve it peacefully had become hostage in the hands of the foreign extremists who did not allow him to have a peaceful settlement.

Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz while talking to Mr. Altaf Hussain said that instead of taking a hasty decision they had acted with great caution and patience and tried their level best to spare the precious lives of the people. And for this very reason

the action was delayed which could have been taken on the very first day when illegal armed extremists had taken over the possession of Lal Msjid and Jmaia Hafsa.

The Prime Minister, while talking to Mr. Altaf Hussain, said that no one wants to use force or open fire against its own people but the situation had reached to an impasse that Government had no option but to take action.

Mr. Altaf Hussain appreciated the role of Chaudhry Shujat, Federal Ministers Ejazul Haque and Muhammad Ali Durrani who took personal pains as a result of which several precious lives were saved.

Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain while talking to Mr. Altaf Hussain told that they tried to resolve the issue peacefully till the last moment, Abdul Rasheed Ghazi was persuaded in the name of Allah and Holy Prophet and in the light of Quranic teachings, but unfortunately their efforts could not prove successful, as Abdul Rasheed Ghazi was under pressure of some people. He further said that Lal Masjid’s incident is a sad affair. It is neither the success nor defeat of any one .Only this heinous event brought a bad name to madaris (seminaries).

Mr. Ejaz ul- Haq while talking to Mr. Altaf Hussain said that in addition to Pakistanis there were foreigners in Lal Masjid who were apprehensive that if Abdul Rasheed Ghazi would also go out from the Lal Masjid suddenly, they would be left in lurch.

Minister Interior Aftab Sherpao, while speaking to Mr. Altaf Hussain, said that those who were in occupation of Lal Masjid and Jamia Hafsa and indulging in terrorist activities  were responsible for defaming Islam, madaris (seminaries)and Pakistan all over the world. He added that women and children had been kept as hostages by the occupants of Lal Masjid, whereas those foreigners who were present in Lal Masjid had kept Abdul Rashid Ghazi as hostage. That is why Abdul Rasheed Ghazi in the end enquired as to what would happen to these foreigners.

Some of those who are in Government, during the discussion with Mr.Altaf Hussain, told that whereas millions who suffered from the ravages of flood and rendered homeless while at the same time operation of Lal Masjid was continuing, question arises as to why those political and religious leaders who are now issuing statements against the Operation, had gone to London to relax and enjoy on the plea of attending the meeting of APC.

MQM RELIEF EFFORTS TO SERVE THE FLOOD AFFECTEES
IS LAUDABLE – PRIME MINISTER SHAUKAT AZIZ

London – 14^th July 2007

Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has lauded the relief efforts of the MQM in Balochistan, Sindh and NWFP to help the victims of recent floods. He was speaking with MQM Founder & Leader Mr. Altaf Hussain over the phone from London.
Mr Hussain expressed his grief and sorrow over the loss of valuable lives in the recent floods and informed the Prime Minister of the relief activities of the MQM. Referring to the enormous relief activities of the MQM to help the victims of the earthquake of 8^th October 2005 in Azad Kashmir and NWFP, the Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz lauded the gigantic efforts of the MQM to provide relief to the victims of floods in Sindh, Balochistan and NWFP. He also thanked Mr Hussain for MQM being the first to come forward and donate five million rupees in the Presidential Relief Fund.
PML-Q Leader Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, Federal Interior Minister Aftab Sherpao and Federal Information Minister Muhammad Ali Durrani also praised the relief efforts of the MQM and for their donation of five million rupees in Presidential Relief Fund. They said that massive relief activities of the MQM relief team and its doctors and paramedical staff to help the flood affected victims is witnessed by the entire nation.
They said that other parties should follow the footsteps of the MQM in providing relief to the flood affected victims. Mr Hussain said that it is the MQM and KKF’s motto to indiscriminately serve the humanity and those in need and they will continue to help their needy brothers in their time of need.