For the interest of the country and province of Sindh we have unconditionally withdrawn our Candidate for Prime Minister ship in favour of PPP Candidate – Altaf Hussain

Saturday 22^nd March 2008....Leader of MQM Mr Altaf Hussain has said that, the country is passing through a very critical period. This is a time for national reconciliation and unity and one should not make it a matter of ego. Therefore, for the sake of democracy and national interest we have decided not to oppose but to support each other. Keeping in view this objective, interest of the country and province of Sindh we have unconditionally withdrawn our Candidate for Prime Minister ship in favour of PPP Candidate. We shall extend our support & co-operate positive actions of the Government which are for the solidarity of the country while carrying out positive criticism on wrong policies. He said, we accept the mandate of Nawaz Sharif irrespective whatever he might say about the MQM, Mr Hussain expressed these views the other day in London at the celebration ceremony of MOM'S 24^th Anniversary, organized by MQM UK Unit. The function was attended by a large number of MQM workers and Pakistanis living in different cities of UK.

In his address Mr Altaf Hussain said “After 18^th February 2008 General elections, MQM was the only party which for the solidarity of the country, national reconciliation and promotion of democratic tenets, whole heartedly congratulated and offered its unconditional support to the heads of political parties.- Mr Asif Ali Zardari Co-Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party, Mian Nawaz Sharif Chief of PML (N), Asfand Yar Wali Head of ANP and Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain President PML (Q) on winning in the Elections .At that time I had said that MQM would not create hurdles in the positive actions of the Govt, and while sitting in the opposition instead of thumping of desks we shall play the role of a positive opposition. Mr Altaf Hussain said that despite my good will message there was no such positive response and for the sake of country and national reconciliation we did not make it a matter of ego.

This is a critical moment for the Country; this is not the time to dwell on personal egos but to save the country. A country cannot be saved solely by its Army, it’s the people and the Army together who can save the country .For this it is important that public should speak with one voice which is only possibly if the people are united.”

Mr Altaf Hussain said that in the past 24 hours he had received Mr Asif Ali Zardari PPP Co Chairman’s phone calls twice. Mr Zardari said that “Pakistan has become masailistan (full of problems). We have to take care of the Country’s economy, Pakistan’s progress and prosperity and to bridge the gulf between urban and rural divide, I request you to withdraw MQM’S candidate in favour of PPP candidate for premiership. If there is stability in Sindh there will be stability in Pakistan. Therefore MQM decided to establish national reconciliation for sake of democracy and national solidarity, instead of opposing each other, support each other in the interest of country and Sindh, so MQM has withdrawn his Premiership candidate in favour of PPP candidate, unconditionally. He further said that “we will support Government’s positive steps, also extend all sorts of co-operations, and will oppose wrong policies in constructively and positive manner, we will maintain the decorum of the parliament, and avoid violence, abuse, and use of non-parliamentary language”.  

Mr Altaf Hussain said that in London and Pakistan Mr Nawaz Sharif repeatedly talked negatively about MQM and insisted there would be no dialogue with the MQM. Mr Altaf Hussain said that MQM could also say a lot against Nawaz Sharif but the country is passing through a critical phase which does not demand egoistic attitude .He said Nawaz Sharif should also stop thinking about himself and ego and instead think about country’s solidarity and unity. He said Nawaz Sharif can say what ever he likes about MQM, accept MQM or not but we accept the mandate of Nawaz Sharif.

He said “MQM is not acceptable because MQM is the only party which wants to break the status quo. Which wants to eliminate the centuries old domination of feudals and waderas and bring the poor and middle class to govern the country and make them share in governance”.

Mr Altaf Hussain said that “the last sermon of Hazrat Mohammad (PBUH) is the manifesto of MQM. That no Arab is superior to Ajmi, no Ajmi over an Arab, White over Black, Black over White, Master over slave, slave over the Master, rich over poor, poor over rich, if there is anyone superior he would be so due to his pious ness. He said MQM wants Prophet Mohammad’s (PBUH) teaching of equality and in all walks of life we want to establish the system of merit. He said The Prophet (PBUH) had said not to practice nepotism, we also don’t believe in nepotism. MQM has taken part in many general elections, but instead of Mr Altaf Hussain’s brothers and nephews tickets were awarded to workers on merit. He said when MQM comes into power there would be a uniform system of education, the Provinces would get their due and just share and we shall sell the properties of those who obtained loans of billions of rupees and got them waived off we shall use the amount for establishing schools, colleges, hospitals, industrial homes, in the country’s villages. More Details of Mr Altaf Hussain’s Address shall be issued tomorrow.