ROUND TABLE CONFERENCE BE CONVENED TO PROVIDE TOTAL PROVINCIAL AUTONOMY - ALTAF HUSSAIN

London-23 March 2004
Mr. Altaf Hussain, founder and leader of Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) appealed to the National Leaders, rulers and people in a message given on the ARY Television on "Pakistan Day", the 23rd. March 2004 to forsake personal interests and build national integrity and consensus. In his message, he further added that the global situation has drastically changed after the tragic events of 9/11 and said that it is the duty of all patriotic political leaders, intellectuals, clerics and people to ponder as to whether God Forbid! Were they celebrating Pakistan Day for the last time having consideration of the crisis Pakistan is under due to the international pressures and the situation in South Waziristan? He added that God Forbid! Would it be that we may be celebrating Pakistan Day for a few more years and then the time may reach that this day may efface from our history.

Mr Altaf Hussain stated that it is a fact that every party has its manifestos but the problems of the country would be only solved if the country remains safe. He appealed that at the time of national crisis, everyone should rise above their personal and political agendas and forge national unity and harmony. He said that in this context the Pakistan Resolution of 1940 should be carefully correlated and studied. Country is engulfed with crisis from all directions and for fostering national integrity and unity; all provinces should be provided total autonomy. He added that a round table conference be convened comprising of the genuine representatives of all the four provinces to amicably discuss the total provincial autonomy and considering everyone equal Pakistanis every one should be given equitable and due share in all spheres of life including national resources and no one should be considered traitor.