MQM will prove an asset for the country if allowed to play its role in true sense of word: Altaf Hussain

London
24 June 2003

The MQM leader Mr. Altaf Hussain in his address in Landhi, Korangi conveyed to the policy makers, army generals and the establishment that MQM is a positive strong force that could not be crushed after years of sustained operation.  It will prove an asset for the country and the country will go from strength to strength once the errors of the past are accepted and MQM is allowed to play its role in true sense of the word.  He was speaking to the people and MQM workers on the landslide victory of Dr. Farooq Sattar in the NA 255 by-election.

Mr Altaf Hussain congratulated the MQM elected representatives, workers, office bearers, ladies, elders and the people in general on this resounding victory.  He said that this victory adds another positive chapter to the history of Pakistan.  This victory is not only for the people of Landhi and Korangi but also for the entire oppressed people of entire Pakistan.  This is also the day of defeat for those who believe in terror, oppression and preach religious animosity.  He pointed out that the manner in which the terror from Landhi, Korangi, Malir, Shah Faisal and Lines Area have been liberated after eleven years of hardship, similarly the oppressed people of Pakistan shall attain freedom from the clutches of feudal lords.

Mr. Altaf Hussain appealed to all military generals, ISI and the intelligence agencies, Corp commanders, DG rangers, President General Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Zafar Ullah Jamali to take an account of eleven years of Haqiqi terrorists support with a licence to kill with impunity and judge for yourself as to what the country gained from it?  How much money was wasted in this escapade?  To what extent the integrity of the institutions particularly the army was compromised?  The state oppression depressed, saddened and instilled a sentiment of rejection in a large section of the country’s population?  What did the country loose and what did it gain?  He said that despite eleven years of oppression and terror, Haqiqi terrorists could not get a foothold in the “No Go Areas” they created.  The by-election today has clearly established that the vast majority of these areas were with the MQM and still are.

He appealed the efforts of President Pervez Musharraf, Prime Minister Zafar Ullah Jamali, Governor Sindh Dr. Ishrat Ul Ebad, Chief Minister Sindh Sardar Ali Mohammad Mehar, Corp Commander Sindh, DG Rangers, Sindh administration and police in creating a conducive atmosphere for a free and fair election for all the political parties.  On this historic occasion Mr. Altaf Hussain recalled the sacrifices made by his companions, ladies, elders and most of all the martyrs who laid their lives.  He paid particular tribute to the people of Landhi, Korangi, Malir, Lines Area and Shah Faisal for facing up to the atrocities committed by terrorists and did not forsake Altaf Hussain.  He also congratulated and applauded the efforts of the MQM elected representatives, Minister, Advisors, Office bearers and workers of different department, women and elders for their efforts.  He asked the newly elected member of National Assembly Dr. Farooq Sattar to apply his best abilities to heel the wounds of Landhi and Korangi people that have been festering for last eleven years.  He also congratulated the Sindhi, Balooch, Pakhtoon, Punjabi, Bengali and Christian’s communities and offered his tribute to them.  In his address Mr. Hussain emphasised that this victory must not induce pride and a feeling of revenge in us.  We should be grateful to Allah Almighty and prostrate in front of him.

Mr. Altaf Hussain prayed for the salvation of MQM worker Anam Aziz who was shot dead by the MMA terrorist group that day.  He prayed for the solace of his near and dear ones and also prayed for the recovery of those injured.