WITH EQUAL REPRESENTATIONS AND CONSENSUS OF ALL PROVINCES A NEW CONSTITUTION BE FORMULATED OR THE PRESENT CONSTITUTION BE AMENDED IN SUCH A WAY TO REFLECT THE ASPIRATIONS OF THE PEOPLE OF SMALLER PROVINCES
London – 21st June 2006
MQM Founder & Leader Mr Altaf Hussain has stated that constitutions are not heavenly decree that cannot be altered. In fact, every constitution is dependant upon adopting amendment with the changing scenarios and situations. He was speaking to the Members of International Secretariat and Members of Coordination Committee in London yesterday. Mr Hussain said, “The bitter reality is that one-nation concept is not strong in our country, whereas, in India despite different religions and numerous ethno-linguistic cultural groups, the one-nation concept is very strong.” In Pakistan cultural pluralism never flourished resulting in ethno-linguistic particularism gaining strength. We can improve by being flexible in our approach, prepare to listen, pay attention to the grievances of others and learn lesson from past mistakes. In 1971 we have experienced the trauma of the dismemberment. We must identify the reason behind this debacle, what mistakes were committed leading to the prejudicial treatment of our Bengali Muslim brethren who voted 100 percent in favour of the creation of Pakistan? Countries and nations who refuse to bring about reforms to improve their status and attitude don’t get strong but weaken and break. Citing the example of the NFC Award Mr Hussain said that despite the strong opposition of three provinces, population has been set as the criterion for the distribution of national wealth. Balochistan’s area is more or less half of Pakistan’s; however, as a result of the distribution based on “population formula” it gets the least share. Because of its vast area this province needs more resources to spend on communications such as highways, roads and other necessities. Similarly, Sindh contributes around 70 percent to the national exchequer but because of the “population formula”, it gets a much less share. Mr Hussain said that in democratic and developed countries population is not the only criteria for distribution of resources; however, in Pakistan no one is even prepared to listen to the justified demands of the smaller provinces that population alone should not be the criteria for distributing national wealth and resources.
Mr Hussain said that he tabled a suggestion that all the provinces should be taken into confidence to either formulate a new constitution. If this is not possible then make some basic and essential amendments in the current constitution to satisfy the people of smaller provinces. This suggestion is not to weaken the country but to strengthen it and the one-nation concept. He claimed that he has never shied away from speaking the truth and always issued statements based on facts; however, it is sad and customary in our culture that instead of learning lessons from past mistakes – allegations are levelled against those who speak the truth. The Establishment needs to adopt a flexible attitude, listen to the grievances of smaller provinces and learn lessons from past mistakes. This will promote democracy in the country, strengthen national integrity and bring prosperity in the country. However, if we remain rigid in our attitude and continue to bulldoze the voices of smaller provinces then this will neither create harmony or unity in the country – instead this will prove detrimental for the country.
Citing an example Mr Hussain said that if all the Sunnis demand that the Shiites should perform prayers according to the Ahl-e-Sunnat way and similarly if the Shiites demand that the Sunnis should pray according to their way – would this in anyway assist in promoting harmony and unity amongst different sects or schools of thoughts? Mr Hussain said that to take a rigid stand on how the prayers should be performed is not justified as the Holy Quran does not provide a detailed practical description of how to offer the prayers – the actual thing is the spirit behind offering prayers, i.e. to worship the Allah Almighty and to offer our gratitude. Regardless of how one is offering prayers – the fact is that everyone is worshipping the Allah Almighty.
Mr Hussain said that he made these suggestions in the larger interest of the country. The unrest amongst the people of smaller provinces is increasing with every passing day; and the current constitution has lost its shape because of so many amendments and the people of smaller provinces are not satisfied. Therefore, with equal representations and consensus of all provinces a new constitution must be formulated or the present constitution be amended in such a way to reflect the aspirations of the people of smaller provinces. Those who have raised havoc over these suggestions do however agree that the 1973 Constitution has lost its original shape and credibility. He said that the MQM is not responsible for this – however, he assured that when the MQM will come into power it will not only resolve the issue of constitution but also the issue of provincial autonomy – and if for some reason MQM will not be able to do so then it will come out of power and tell the nation why? Amendments were made in the 1973 Constitution by Zulfiquar Ali Bhutto and then by Ziaul Haq, who he even included his name in the constitution. Benazir Bhutto twice came into power but did nothing to remove the name of her “father’s killer” from the constitution.
Mr Hussain appealed to the intellectuals, analysts and constitutional experts to inform the nation if the 1973 Constitution provides provinces with autonomy and what guarantees are in place. In the end Mr Hussain said that instead of being stubborn and inflexible we must adopt the path of negotiations and understanding, listen to everyone’s grievances and try to resolve them. We must also decide – “the sustenance of our country is paramount or the defaced Constitution which has failed to satisfy the people of smaller provinces?”