ALTAF HUSSAIN READY TO PLAY ROLE IN KASHMIR SOLUTION, SAYS HE WILL PRESENT A FORMULA ACCEPTABLE TO ALL

NEW DELHI (NOV 4, 2004)----Founder leader of Muttahida Quami Movement Mr Altaf Hussain arrived in India today and offered to play his role in the settlement of the Kashmir and other issues, saying he will unfold a formula which will be acceptable to all.

Speaking to newsmen at London’s Heathrow Airport late Wednesday night, he emphasized that during his stay in India, his proposal will have acceptability with people of India and Pakistan, and Kashmiris on both sides of fence, alike.

He called for expeditious development in improvement of ties between India and Pakistan, including a meaningful partnership, and cooperation in economic and social sectors, and also of trade enhancement.

He repeated his call for opening of Khokhrapar and Srinagar border to facilitate movement and free mixing of people of the subcontinent. He also called for reopening of Indian consulate in Karachi to issue visas for India to divided families vast majority of which lives in Sindh, and has to travel a circuitous route since 1995. He will discuss the matter with Indian high-ups.

About Kashmir, he said, the problem has lingered on for 57 years, because of which Kashmiris had been suffering a miserable life. Kashmir issue should be solved for the sake of peace in the region. During his stay in India, he will try to present a solution, which would be acceptable to people of India and Pakistan and to the Kashmiris alike.

About President General Pervez Musharraf’s proposal on Kashmir, he said, that the President has given his opinion on the subject. He appealed to the countrymen to pray for the success of his mission, which will include suggestions for Kashmir solution and for the improvement of bilateral ties between India and Pakistan.

Mr Hussain was accompanied by the MQM Parliamentary Leader Dr Farooq Sattar, Rabita Committee Members Haider Rizvi and Abdul Khaliq Baloch, and MNA Nisar Panwhar, and MNA Devdas.