PAK HIGH COMMISSIONER, NIRMALA DESHPANDE HOST DINNER FOR ALTAF HUSSAIN

LAYS WREATH AT GANDHI’S SAMADHI

NEW DELHI ---- (NOVEMBER 13, 2004) ---Pakistan High Commissioner Aziz Ahmad Khan hosted a dinner for the MQM leader Altaf Hussain and members of his entourage here last night.

On arrival at the place, the MQM leader and his colleagues were warmly received by the High Commissioner, and member of his staff. Accompanying Mr Altaf Hussain were Rabita Committee members Mr Tariq Mir, Mr M Anwar, Wasey Jalil, MNAs Kunwar Khalid Yunus, and Nisar Panhwar, members of the Sindh Assembly, Faisal Sabzwari, and Miss Bilquees Mukhtar, and other prominent office bearers of the party.

The MQM leader visited the samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi, observed a minute’s silence there, lighted a candle as mark of respect to the great revolutionary leader of the subcontinent, and recorded his impressions in the visitors’ book.

With him were Rabita Committee member Mr M Anwar, Mr Tariq Mir, and Mr Wasey Jalil, the Deputy Coordinator of party’s international relations division Mohammad Yunus, Sindh Assembly member Faisal Sabzwari, and other office bearers of the party.

Mr Hussain who had a hectic schedule ever since arriving in India on November, also attended a dinner hosted by Rajya Sabha member Nirmala Deshpande at her residence. The long list of invitees included members of the Indian parliament Shaheen Ansari, Saifuddin Soz, Mohammad Shakil, eminent sociologist Prof Mumtaz Ahmad, the dean of arts of Delhi University, Prof Akhtarul Wasey, a cross section of intellectuals, men of letters, political and social workers, and students.

Mrs. Deshpande presented a bouquet and a shawl to her honoured guest, while the MQM leader presented the traditional Sindhi Ajrak to his host, her secretary Babeeta Ji, and the youth leader from Bihar Shiv Nath.

Those present at the dinner praised without any reservation Mr Altaf Hussain’s righteous struggle for the rights of the oppressed section of the Pakistani population. They welcomed his Indian visit and remarked that efforts being made by Altaf Hussain would not only help improve Indo-Pak relations but would enhance the people to people contact between the two countries.

The invitees, including intellectuals, professors, students and social and political workers who asked searching questions from the MQM leader seemed convinced by his views and assured him of their all possible support for the success of his mission to bring the people of the two countries together.