ALTAF HUSSAIN OFFERS UNCONDITIONAL SUPPORT TO
BENAZIR BHUTTO TO DEFEAT TERRORISM

PROGRESSIVE FORCES O WORK IN UNISON TO ELIMINATE EXTREMISM
AND FOR THE STABILITY OF THE DEMOCRATIC PROCESS IN THE
LARGER INTEREST OF THE COUNTRY – ALTAF HUSSAIN

London-19 October 2007

Mr Altaf Hussain, founder and leader of Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) condoling Ms. Benazir Bhutto over the telephone from London expressed his profound grief and sorrow on death of over 100 people including the workers of the Peoples Party during the “Welcome Rally” on her arrival in Karachi on 18th. October 2007.

Mr Altaf Hussain added that the horrendous tragedy was an animalistic barbarism and naked terrorism that deserves severest condemnation. While speaking on this occasion, Mr Altaf Hussain said that it is the call of the time that in the larger interest of the country, the entire progressive forces shall work in unison to save the country, eliminate extremism and for the stability of the democratic process in the country. He said that the electoral process would be ongoing and during this process, occurrences of political differences would be natural but despite this, it is now inevitable that we shall work in unity and sincerity against extremism committed under the guise of religion to disrepute Islam. He added that on behalf of Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM), he offered his unconditional support to defeat extremism. Mr Altaf Hussain further said that the people of Pakistan generally and of Sindh particularly believe in religious tolerance and are against religious extremism.

Ms. Benazir Bhutto, applauding the cooperation of the Local administration especially, the City Nazim (City Mayor) of Karachi expressed her personal gratitude  and also on behalf of the leaders and workers of the Peoples Party, for the cooperation. Mr Altaf Hussain further said that him including the members of the Co-ordination Committee of the MQM, workers and supporters equally share her grief and sorrow and of the members of the bereaved families. Mr Hussain prayed that May! Allah rest the souls of the dead in “Jannat-ul-Firdaus (Heaven)” and grant strength to the members of bereaved families to endure the losses of their loved ones and prayed for a speedy recovery of the wounded resulting form the terrorism.