POLITICS OF CONFRONTATION IS NEITHER IN THE INTEREST OF THE STABILITY NOR FOR THE FUTURE OF DEMOCRACY IN PAKISTAN – ALTAF HUSSAIN

London: 13 March 2009.... Mr Altaf Hussain, founder and leader of Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) addressing the leaders of all the political parties and the lawyers said that the confrontational politics is neither in the interests of the stability nor for the future of democracy in Pakistan.  In a statement issued from London Mr Altaf Hussain compassionately appealing to the  President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, Mr Mohammad Nawaz Sharif, Leader of the Pakistan Muslim League (N), Shahbaz Sharif, honourable leaders of other political parties, President of the Pakistan Bar association Mr Ali Ahmed Kurd and the Lawyers Leader Mr Aitezaz Ahsan said that you all are well aware of the chaotic situation Pakistan is confronted with, the external and internal dangers are looming, while external pressure is intensifying over Pakistan with every passing day.  Under the circumstances Pakistan cannot afford the politics of confrontation which is neither in the interest of the stability of the country nor in the interest of democracy in Pakistan.  He said that the time demands that all decisions are made in the interest of the country rising above the personal and political interests so that the democratic process continues.

Mr Altaf Hussain appealed to all the leaders that they should give up the path of confrontation and pursue the route of negotiated peaceful settlement. He emphasised for the need to end the Governor Rule in Punjab through dialogue and mutual understandings. He stressed that within the parameters of Constitution, a settlement for the independence of judiciary and reinstatement of the Judges can be reached. He also pointed out that the honourable leaders should bear in mind that our armed forces and security agencies are not only already heavily engaged in restive areas and borders of the country but are laying their lives in defending it and, therefore, it would not be in the interest of the country to engage them into the political turmoil of the country. I, therefore, appeal to all the leaders to refrain from confrontational politics and even if they have to ceasefire, the must do and keep their doors of negotiations open with magnanimity for each other so that settlement can be reached on the basis of logic and rationale to pull the country out of the current turmoil and stand off. He stressed on the need of the inclusion of all the leaders of the political and religious parties of Pakistan in the dialogue to come out of the present impasse.