London – 19 November 2004
MQM Founder & Leader Mr Altaf Hussain has welcomed the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Dr Man Mohan Singh to all the Kashmiri groups for talks on the Kashmir Issue. He said that the tensions between India and Pakistan must end and all the issues including the Kashmir Issue be resolved through peaceful and meaningful dialogues. He was speaking to the representatives of media gathered at the Heathrow International Airport on his return from India. He reiterated that MQM believes that the Kashmir issue should resolved to according the wish and will of the Kashmiris. If the Kashmiri people want to live with Pakistan then the Indian Government must not stop them and similarly those who want to stay with India must not be stopped; and must not also oppose those who want an independent and sovereign State. Replying to a question Mr Hussain said that the Indian Government should not have hastily responded to President General Pervez Musharraf’s proposals and should have deliberated, however, it is welcoming that India has now adopted a flexible stand. Mr Hussain said that the people of both the nations must not fight among themselves and must promote love and peace. He recommended both the Indian and Pakistani Governments to organise a referendum under the auspices of international observers and assured that people of both the nations will vote strongly in favour of friendship relations and peace. And if they will vote against this then he will quit politics forever. He stressed that the time has come when prevailing peace must be now be established in the region and Pakistan and India to have cordial and friendly relations. Public to public contact needs to be established, visa policy to become lenient, Khokhrpar Border to open and both the countries come closer to each other. He said that if the Governments of India and Pakistan accept then he is prepared to unconditionally offer all his abilities and capabilities towards establishing better relations between the two neighbouring countries. Replying to a question, Mr Hussain clarified that during his visit to India he never said that Line of Control should be made as permanent border, however, it was said that this could be accepted as a temporary border to begin talks for the resolution of the Kashmir Issue that is acceptable to the Kashmiris. Upon a question of his return to Pakistan, Mr Hussain said that the friendly relationship between Pakistan and India is more important. Replying to another question, Mr Hussain said, “the critics tried to misguide the public with regards to the international conference but sadly they failed to notice that I raised the issues the rights of the Iraqis and Palestinians in front of world renowned dignitaries.” On the question of uniform, Mr Hussain said that on principles MQM is not against the uniform, however, occasionally, the nation has to make unwanted choices. Mr Hussain said, “the post 9/11 scenario has changed the world, and if Pakistan will not side with the international community in its fight against terrorism then Pakistan will become another Tora Bora and that I certainly do not want this to happen.” Speaking on his visit to India, Mr Hussain said that he can never forget the love and affection of the people of India and hopes that the people of Pakistan will also reciprocate the same love and affection towards visitors from India.