Pakistan is confronted with extremely crucial situation
Altaf Hussain

The issue of Northern Areas, Sawat and Waziristan should be resolved through dialogue
and negotiation Our first priority should be our country and its integrity

We must make every effort for reconciliation to promote unity, national integrity,
Provincial harmony on the basis of peaceful dialogue

We make all effort to ensure not a single innocent
citizen losses his or her life- Shaukat Aziz.

Telephonic conversation to the Prime Minister of Pakistan Mr. Shaukat Aziz, Ch. Shujaat
Hussain, Dr. Ishrat-ul-Ebad Khan, Dr. Arbab Ghulam Rahim and others at Azizabad.

London- 27, October 2007

Mr. Altaf Hussain, Founder and Leader of the Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) said that Pakistan is confronted with extremely crucial situation. The issue of Northern Areas, Sawat and Waziristan should be resolved through dialogue and negotiation. He further elaborated that if the issues were not resolved through negotiation, sincere and meaningful dialogue and if under compulsion, the security forces have to resort to force then the security forces should act very carefully in any particular situation to ensure that no innocent civilian is harmed.

He said this during his telephonic conversation to the Prime Minister of Pakistan Mr. Shaukat Aziz at his residence Nine Zero Azizabad, Karachi from London on Saturday, who called on the Member of MQM Co-ordination Committee along with Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, President PML (Q), Governor Sindh Dr. Ishrat-ul-Ebad Khan, Chief Minister Sindh Dr. Arbab Ghulam Rahim, other leaders of PML-Q as well as Federal and Provincial Ministers.

In his conversation Mr. Hussain said to the Mr. Aziz that for the resolution of Balochistan issue, Ch. Shujaat Hussain and Mr. Mushahid Hussain held negotiations with Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti but the end of this was not good and affects of Balochistan operation being felt not only in Balochistan but all over the country. He said that the situation of northern, southern Waziristan and Swat is apparent to every one. He said that if any country faces insurgency then it has a right to stop that situation and maintain law and order according to its law and constitution but losses of lives of innocent peoples provides support to the insurgents.

Mr. Hussain said that in South Asia region, Pakistan is going through extremely delicate situation therefore, northern southern Waziristan and also Sawat issues should be dealt with peaceful means and negotiation, the process of negotiation will not only effect the people of Waziristan and Sawat but it will affect the rest of the country. Mr Altaf Hussain addressing Mr. Shaukat Aziz reiterated that the Security Forces shall exercise with care, patience and prudence to ensure that no innocent civilian losses his or her life.

He further added that it is easily said that we would deal with the United States and Western countries but, realistically analysing, Pakistan is lagging far behind in all sectors including defence in comparison with the United States of America and the Western Countries. He said that a country with weak military has its power base in its people. If the people of that country are prepared to sacrifice their lives for the integrity and honour of their country then such nations cannot be defeated or suppressed.  He reminded that time is running short and we must make every effort for reconciliation to promote unity, national integrity, provincial harmony on the basis of peaceful dialogue; and must also sincerely listen to their grievances to resolve all the issues amicably through dialogue towards a better future for the country. Commenting on the political scenario Mr Hussain said that the process of reconciliation and understanding displayed by the Government on the return of PPP Leader Benazir Bhutto was appreciated internally and worldwide. However, after the tragic incident of 18^th October the exchange of hostile statements from both parties will create more rift instead of bringing them closer to each other. He expressed his fear that because of such statements it is possible the national reconciliation ordinance issued for reconciliation may be jeopardised. It is the need of time that despite having political differences we must not use hard language against each other and should remain calm. Our first priority should be our country and its integrity. We must make sincere efforts for reconciliation because if you have a country then there is politics, Elections, Government and opposition but God forbid if the country faces any loss then every thing is meaningless. Therefore, our first priority is the security and survival of the country. He further said that we should make the efforts of reconciliation sincerely so that the opposite party may also follow the same. Mr Hussain said that he had already instructed his party members and office bearers not to issue allegations or use abusive language in reaction to abusive statements. He said that for the first time in the history of Pakistan, the Government and Parliament is completing its five year term which is commendable. He prayed that the incoming government should also complete its five year term and this positive process should be allowed to continue so that our country can get on track for true democracy thus defeating all anti-democratic forces. Addressing the Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and other PML leaders Mr Hussain said that it will be better for the country if for the forthcoming general elections we work together on a joint line of action for the prosperity of the country. He suggested for homework and to form joint committees for the upcoming elections. This was agreed by Prime Minster Shaukat Aziz and Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain.

Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz agreeing with Mr Hussain’s views on the situation in Waziristan and Swat said that we make all effort to ensure not a single innocent citizen losses his or her life and pray God to show them the right path who are working against the interest of the country. He said to Mr Hussain that his views give us strength. He also agreed that the MQM has always supported the Government in testing times. Speaking on this occasion the President of PML Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain agreed the views of Mr Hussain on national reconciliation. He said that we too have welcomed the return of Benazir Bhutto to Pakistan and wish the national reconciliation ordinance is applied in its true spirit. However, he said that the views expressed by Benazir Bhutto after her return are not encouraging. He said that we still want to forget what has happened and are prepared to sit together for reconciliation and to adopt a better line of action; and the people of Pakistan will decide in the coming election who will form the government. He assured that we are making all our efforts for reconciliation. The Chief Minister of Sindh Arbab Ghulam Rahim also spoke with Mr Hussain on the current political situation of the country and agreed with his point of views.

Prior this Mr. Hussain welcomed Mr. Aziz, Ch. Shujaat Hussain and other distinguish guest for visiting his residence.