GILGIT AND BALTISTAN TO BE AWARDED REPRESENTATION IN THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY AND SENATE OF PAKISTAN AND THEIR DEPRIVED RIGHTS MUST BE RESTORED – ALTAF HUSSAIN

London – 27^th October 2009....Gilgit and Baltistan to be awarded representation in the National Assembly and Senate of Pakistan and their deprived rights must be restored. This was demanded by MQM Founder & Leader Mr Altaf Hussain while addressing the “Meet the Press” at the Gilgit Baltistan Press Club over the telephone from London. Representatives of television channels, newspapers, Gilgit Baltistan Union of Journalists, columnists, writers and journalists were present in large numbers to attend the program. 

    In his address Mr Hussain stated that the Pakistani feudal system only allowed the richest belonging to the feudal lords, jagirdars, waderas and industrialists to get elected ion the National Assembly, Senate and Provincial Assemblies of the country, whereas, the poor and middle class regardless of his or her education and competence was prevented from reaching the corridors of Parliament. MQM has the honours as being the only political party that has sent educated and competent youth from the middle class and poor background to the Pakistani National Assembly, Senate, Provincial Assemblies and the Local Governments. This has not been easy and the MQM had struggled hard and as a result thousands of its workers have been extra-judicially murdered, thousands were illegally detained, tortured and displaced; however, with the blessings of Allah Almighty, the MQM office bearers and workers faced these hardships and despite the unfavourable circumstances continued to struggle tirelessly for the abolishment of the corrupt political culture of the country. Today as a result of their sacrifices the MQM’s message is spreading through out the country. It is the grace of Allah Almighty that MQM’s message has now even reached the mountains and the heavenly valleys of Gilgit and Baltistan. “I am proud of my workers of Gilgit and Baltistan who, despite unfavourable conditions, are busy day and night in the dissemination of party’s message. From the core of my heart I pay tributes to them on their untiring struggle”, Mr Hussain said.

Addressing the mothers, sisters, elders and the youth of Gilgit, Baltistan, Skardu and other adjoining areas to come forward and join the struggle for the abolishment of the medieval feudal system from the country and vote for the success of the MQM candidates in the forthcoming elections. He also appealed to the people of Gilgit, Baltistan, Skardu and adjoining areas that are living in Karachi to request their family members also to vote for the MQM candidates. MQM is a liberal and progressive party that is the only true representative of the all Pakistanis including the Muslims and followers of all religions. A large number of Pakistani citizens are joining the MQM. MQM wants religious and sectarian harmony in the country. Mr Hussain said to remain committed to your religious school of thought and not to confront or criticise others faith, sect or even religion. People of all sects (including Shiites and Sunnis), faith, religion and communities equally participated in the Pakistan Movement. With reference to financial assistance, we see the participation of the Memon community as well as the Ismaili community also played a big role. The MQM workers through their tireless efforts have succeeded in developing sectarian harmony in Sindh and we want to establish the same in Gilgit and Baltistan too. He appealed to the Ismaili community settled in Gilgit and Baltistan to come forward and join the MQM as this is their party too. He demanded of the Federal Government to arrange for the representative of Gilgit and Baltistan in the National Assembly and the Senate of Pakistan. He also appealed for the restoration of the usurped rights of Gilgit and Baltistan. MQM is now working in Gilgit and Baltistan and God willing, one day the people of Gilgit and Baltistan will have their representatives in the Senate, National and Provincial Assemblies.

In his address Mr Hussain deliberated on the issues faced by the people of Gilgit and Baltistan and demanded of the Federal Government for their immediate solution. He requested for more recruitment in police for the region and an increment in salaries to bring it at par with other provinces. He also demanded for a special quota in employment for the region and in light of rising inflation an increment in the salaries of government employees of this region. To establish a quota for the students of Gilgit and Baltistan in all the educational institutes and student hostels of the country and to address their legitimate grievances. Tourism is the major source of employment and earning for the people of this region, therefore, special attention is required with an announcement for a special grant. He also demanded to establish engineering and medical universities in the region and also for the television channels to highlight the issues and difficulties of this region in their programs. The communication system is insufficient and needs improvement in streets, roads and bridges. Gilgit and Baltistan have the natural facility due to the surrounding mountains for building dams so as also to cater for the energy needs of the region. Natural mineral resources are in abundance, therefore, steps to be taken to make for exploration and use of these resources. The local bodies institutions to be made more autonomous and provided more funds. He also requested for the increase in special grant for establishing press clubs in all districts of Gilgit and Baltistan; and also to announce the wage board award for the local journalists. He demanded that the airport at Skardu to be upgraded as international airport and also to establish a trust for the welfare of local artists. He demanded that schools, college and educational institutions to be established to impart technical education. He further said that industrial zones to be established to generate employment and help reduce unemployment in the region. Hospitals and dispensaries needs to establish provide basic health facilities. Sports and culture needs to be promoted and in particular the game of polo to be projected and steps to be taken to build special grounds of high standards and also to establish an institution of sports in the region. He also demanded that effective measures and steps to be taken to improve livestock, forests and wildlife. He requested to establish departments for Old Age Benefit and Labour. He assured the people of Gilgit, Baltistan, Skardu and adjoining areas that when the MQM will form Government in the region then we will resolve all the issues faced by the people and will also attain the usurped rights of the people of the region.