London – 21st October 2007
MQM Founder & Leader Mr Altaf Hussain stated that Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) is against all sorts of violence and terrorism and believes in non-violence, peaceful and democratic struggle. MQM is against all sorts of aggression against poor individual or other countries. Nobody, no powerful country has the right to attack weaker countries. MQM believes in dialogue and wants the resolution all issues and conflicts between countries through dialogue. MQM strongly believes in the respect of the autonomy and sovereignty of the country and wants the autonomy, sovereignty honour and dignity of other countries to be respected as well. MQM wants to establish friendly and cordial relationship with all the neighbouring countries of Pakistan including India, Iran, China and Afghanistan and to resolve all issues and conflicts through peaceful and meaningful dialogue. MQM strives for the elimination of poverty, hunger and unemployment from all over the world. MQM wishes to see the spread of peace, joy and prosperity throughout the world. MQM believes that everyone must have the right to expression in the form of freedom of written or speech. MQM believes in religious tolerance and the freedom to practice and worship the religion according to their beliefs.
Mr Hussain said this while addressing a huge gathering organised by the MQM South Africa Unit in Johannesburg over the telephone from London. Apart from a large number of expatriates, the MQM workers and supporters – a large number of members of other Asian communities, elders, ladies, youth and children attended the program. Also present during the program were the local leaders and workers of the ruling party African National Congress and other political parties of South Africa. Mr Hussain expressed his views on the current situation of Pakistan, MQM’s manifesto and its internal and foreign policies.
Mr Hussain said that MQM’s manifesto is to establish a true democratic society in Pakistan where each and every individual should have equal opportunity in all walks of life irrespective their cast, race, gender, sect or even religion. We want to establish true democracy and a just system where every citizen of Pakistan enjoys his or her freedom in all walks of life. MQM is against all sorts of violence and wants to achieve the rights of the poor and middle class people of Pakistan who are being neglected for the past 60 years after getting the independence in 1947. MQM is against all sorts of racial and bias system of discrimination and victimisation. We believe in the principle of live and let live. Every body has a right to live with honour and dignity. Mr Hussain said that the MQM is against all sorts of religious fanaticism and extremism and believes in religious harmony, tranquillity and brotherhood. MQM does not believe in revenge but believes in forgiveness. MQM wants to abolish the obsolete medieval feudal system from Pakistan and establish a true progressive liberal political culture in the country.
Speaking on the recent incident of Karachi Mr Hussain said that as soon as Ms Bhutto decided and announced that she will return to Pakistan on 18th October 2007, then MQM was the only political party of Pakistan who welcomed her decision. We offered all our support to facilitate her return. Pakistan is currently in danger from all corners, suicidal attacks are taking place, religious extremism is being spread and some elements are misinterpreting the religion of Islam thus presenting a distorted image of the religion. MQM is against all such elements and believes that Islam is not a religion of war but in fact, Islam is a religion of peace, equality, brotherhood and preaches non violence. MQM is struggling for the establishment of true democracy and total elimination of religious extremism and discrimination. It has adopted the path of non-violence and peaceful means to achieve this objective.
Mr Hussain condemned the suicidal attack on the occasion of the arrival of Benazir Bhutto in Karachi. He prayed for those who lost their lives and for the early and speedy recovery of those injured. He said that MQM believes that the time has now arrived that all progressive, liberal and democratic forces should put aside their differences for the sake of the country and unite on one platform for the abolishment and complete eradication of extremism and to establish true democracy in the country.
Speaking specifically to the local audience who were attending the meeting Mr Hussain commended the members and workers of the African National Congress for their hard struggle, sacrifices and remarkable success. He personally thanked the honourable guests who came to attend from different walks of life from the city of Johannesburg including the former government and Members of the African National Congress. We have learnt a lot from the struggle of South African people. Mr Hussain paid huge tributes and salutations to the Great Man of South Africa and the Leader of the Nation Mr Nelson Mandela.
He appealed to the Pakistanis living in South Africa to study the manifesto of the MQM. After that if they reach to a conclusion that MQM is the only political party which can resolve the problems of common Pakistanis then please come forward and we will welcome them to join the MQM.
Mr Hussain appealed to the philanthropists and affluent local people and the business community to support the MQM and donate generously so that the MQM can continue the spread of its message in every nook and corner of the country. He paid huge tributes to the office bearers and workers of MQM South Africa Unit for organising the programme. He advised them to remain united and work together for the success of the party.