BABAR GHAURI MQM FEDERAL MINISTER AND ADIL SIDDIQUI MQM PROVINCIAL MINISTER FOR PROVINCE OF SINDH MET DR ROWAN WILLIAMS, ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY

Lahore – 28 November 2005...Mr Babar Ghauri, MQM Federal Minister for Ports and Shipping and Mr Adil Siddiqui, MQM Provincial Minister for Industries, Transport, Labour, Commerce and Co-operative met Dr Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury on Sunday, 27 November 2005 and presented him a bouquet and gift on behalf of Mr Altaf Hussain, founder and leader of Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM). During the meeting Mr Babar Ghauri and Mr Adil Siddiqui apprised Archbishop of Canterbury of the facts that MQM does not only believes in genuine democracy but also practically struggling to establish it in the country, it also believes and promotes religious and sectarian tolerance while played the pivotal role in establishing joint-electorate system whereby the religious minorities attained the right to franchise in Pakistan. They also explained that Mr Altaf Hussain preaches the freedom of worship and security of the places of worship of the religious minorities while strongly believes that all citizens of Pakistan be treated in equality irrespective of colour, creed, ethnicity, language, gender, sect and religion and must not be discriminated on the basis of religion. Mr Babar Ghauri and Mr Adil Siddiqui also explained to the Archbishop of Canterbury that MQM has got several Members of the religious minorities elected to the Parliament on the ticket of MQM and struggling for equal rights for all the citizens of Pakistan. Dr Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury praised Mr Altaf Hussain for his services and respect to Humanity, ideology and philosophy and expressed his desire to meet him when he returns to England. Mr Babar Ghauri and Mr Adil Siddiqui also congratulated Bishop Malik for serving as Bishop for the past 25 years.