PRESSURE OF DEVOUT FOLLOWERS MOUNTING TO ADOPT
ALTERNATIVE STRATEGY -- ALTAF HUSSAIN

Mr. Altaf Hussain in a thought provoking address to workers in Karachi and Hyderabad simultaneously stated that despite his repeated passionate appeals to the authorities, the process of oppression and persecution of Mohajirs is continuing, regardless. The top brass in Pakistan is so pre-occupied with drink and dance parties that they have little time to reflect upon the plight of the people of Sindh, particularly Mohajirs. He pointed out that he has always demanded the rights of Mohajirs within the federation of Pakistan, but the Punjabi Establishment, which is mainly military, is not prepared to see reason. He said that he is under immense pressure from his devout followers to adopt an alternative strategy. Such sentiments are understandable considering the present state of affairs in Sindh province, particularly Karachi, where atrocities are on going. The Police Officers, who cold-bloodedly murdered innocent MQM workers, are not punished or even removed from their positions. The barbaric treatment of Dr. Farooq Sattar in Attock Fort is a testimony to the fact that for the Army Establishment only Mohajirs are considered guilty without even being tried in a court of law. A country where corruption has become a way of life and almost all the hierarchy is involved in it up to its eyes; the military establishment could only find Dr. Farooq Sattar for the inhuman treatment. The audience exclaimed, "No Sir, the Punjabi establishment will not allow our due share in the running of our affairs in Sindh province''. Mr Altaf Hussain further stated that the Sindhi masses are equally worse off as the Sindhi leadership and feudal class has struck a deal with the Punjabi Establishment. The army operation commenced in June 1992, and is still containing. But the officials who met me in London tried to assure me that they are not behind ' Haqiqi' and the Operation is not against the MQM. Army has suspended the constitution, removed Prime ministers and suspended the parliament, but they tell me that they cannot remove the murderous SHO's . What hypocrisy, he remarked. Mr. Altaf Hussain reminded the audience that he had appealed to the Presidents and COAS to solve the problems of Mohajirs through meaningful sincere dialogue. But so far they have paid no attention to my appeals. Today the nation is listing and heeding my requests, but if there is no shift in the stance of the establishment, I would he forced to follow the wishes of my nation, he stated. My devout workers are keen to adopt the path that all the conscious nations had taken in the past. But my sincere appeal to the top brass is to pay heed and not to shut the door upon us. For how long shall I continue to preach patience, he asked. You must not repeat the past mistakes, he warned the establishment. While concluding his address Mr. Altaf Hussain praised the courage and determination of his workers and thanked them for their patience and fortitude. They overwhelmingly responded that if our rights are not accepted then we would have no alternative but to snatch it from the oppressors.