The war on terrorism cannot be won by increasing the US or NATO soldiers in Afghanistan.
“In order to eradicate terrorism, its root causes need to be dealt with” -Mustafa Kamal
Special attention needs to be paid to improve the economic conditions of the poverty stricken people
of Pakistan and Afghanistan. 
Thousands of officers and soldiers have been martyred yet American markets keep their
doors closed to Pakistani products. We need trade, not aid.
MQM is fast emerging as the third option on Pakistan’s political scene;
A lecture by Baker Institute for Policy, a prominent think tank of USA held in Rice University (Houston)

Houston… 1^ST May 2010:

Former Mayor of Karachi and member of Central Coordination Committee of MQM, Syed Mustafa Kamal has said that increasing the number of US and Nato soldiers in Afghanistan will not win the war on terrorism. In order to eradicate terrorism, its root causes need to be addressed. He expressed these views while delivering a lecture in Rice University, Houston. This lecture organized by Baker Institute for Policy, a prominent think tank of USA.

A large number of students, the Director of all the faculties and the Director of Baker Institute for Policy along with a large number of journalists and reporters were present. A documentary film highlighting the successful projects undertaken during the former Mayor’s tenure was also shown. He said Karachi played a pivotal role in the war on terrorism and was critically important because all the supplies for the American and NATO forces come via the port of Karachi. He stated that 90,000 American and NATO forces were busy fighting this war in Afghanistan and 147,000 Pakistani soldiers in Pakistan but so far they haven’t been able to wipe out the ugly face of terrorism. He said that increase in US soldiers in Afghanistan will not solve the problem. This menace to be eradicated ‘good governance’ in Pakistan and Afghanistan is necessary. Both the poverty stricken nations need to have better economic conditions and the people should enjoy health, education and other basic amenities for life. The inability to do so will allow terrorists and extremists to prey on the misfortune of the citizens and more terrorist will be groomed.

Mustafa Kamal said that Pakistan is the frontline state in the war on terrorism and America’s biggest ally and so far there have been thousands of soldiers and officers sacrificed by Pakistan. But the sad fact remains, that despite all these sacrifices, American markets keep their doors closed on Pakistani products. Due to the friendship enjoyed by the two countries Pakistani products should have access to American markets. We need trade, rather than aid. In response to a question he stated, that the people of Pakistan are more aware of American drone attacks rather than the aid packages provided by the U.S. , therefore America should help the nation rather  than the rulers by setting up universities and educational institutes thereby aiding progress. Whilst focusing on the political situation, Mustafa Kamal said that right now Pakistan is politically and economically in state of ‘ICU’ and in order to be rescued from this precarious situation the feudal system needs to be abolished. Provincial autonomy needs to be granted, decentralization needs to take place along with delegation of powers, so the citizens feel they are part of the process from grass root levels. MQM is fast emerging as the third option in Pakistan and the historic success of the Punjab convention was proof of this.

The leaders of MQM consist of the poor and the middle class, rather than the feudals and it represents the educated group on every level amongst the less fortunate. He also stated that the leader of every political party aspires to hold the office of President or Prime Minister, however Altaf Husain is the only leader who has no such desires, neither him nor any member of his family ever fought an election, rather he sent the able and educated members of his party in the assemblies. If he wished, he could have placed his family members in key government positions, rather he made his party workers MNAs, MPAs, City Mayor, Minister and Governor based purely on their merit and hard work. Mustafa Kamal went on to reflect upon the various projects undertaken during his tenure as City Mayor, in various sectors such as health, transport and education. 

A range of questions were also answered by the Mayor.  Earlier the founding Director of Baker Institute, Edward P. Djerejian, stated in no uncertain terms that Mustafa Kamal was the most popular youth icon and national leader, having more than 75,000 fans on face book.  Mr. Djerejian also commended the great vision of Mustafa Kamal, through which the former Mayor had managed to deliver in sectors such as health and education in the most populated city of South Asia.  Even whilst battling problems of extremism, sectarianism and terrorism, he still managed to serve the people in an exemplary manner and accomplished a great deal along with revamping the infrastructure of the city.  It was due to this feat he said that Mustafa Kamal had been recognized as the ‘Young Global Leader’ by the World Economic Forum.  Mr. Djereian thanked Mustafa Kamal  on behalf of the Baker Institute for delivering the lecture.