London – 26th September 2004
MQM Founder & Leader Mr Altaf Hussain has stated
that the basis of MQM’s manifesto and ideology is to serve the humanity, which
is being provided in the form of Khidmat-e-Khalq Foundation (KKF) irrespective
of caste, color, creed, sex, sect and even religion. He was addressing a
general workers meeting organised by the KKF. His address was heard
simultaneously in Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Mirpukhas, Sanghar, Nawabshah,
Khairpur, Ghotki, Jacobabad, Larkana, Noshero Feroze, Badin, Dadu, Shikarpur
and Thatta. The meeting was also addressed by Deputy Convenor Dr Farooq Sattar,
KKF President Sheikh Liaquat Hussain, Members of Coordination Committee Anwar
Alam and Hyder Rizvi. In Karachi, the general workers meeting was held at KKF
Centre in Federal B Area where the KKF Trustees, all the Members of
Coordination Committee, MQM Federal and Provincial Ministers, Advisors and
parliamentarians were also present.
Shedding light on the welfare services of KKF Mr
Hussain said that when we commence our struggle in the form of All Pakistan
Mohajir Students Organisation (APMSO) on 11 June 1978, we also established
Khidmat-e-Khalq Committee (KKC) with a view to provide service to humanity,
particularly to the needy, poor, orphans, widows, incapacitated and students
irrespective of their caste, colour, language and even religion. Workers of the
Movement used to collect voluntary donations and contributions and the
institute of KKC used to help the poor and needy. Gradually, the welfare
activities of KKC increased and to continue providing services on a broader
spectrum KKC was transformed into Khidmat-e-Khalq Foundation (KKF). In case of
any catastrophe, hurricanes, storms, earthquakes, drought or other natural
disasters, volunteers of KKF reach the far-flung and remote areas to help
provide aid to the needy and affected people, to provide medical relief and
assistance. KKF has established Nazeer Hussain Hospital, Blood Bank and several
welfare dispensaries in different areas of Karachi. Similarly, in Hyderabad,
Medical Centre installed with modern equipments has been established. We
continue to strive for establishing aid centres like Karachi and Hyderabad not
only in all the cities and towns of Sindh but also throughout the country. Mr
Hussain said that if following the example of indiscriminately serving the
people set by the MQM, other political parties, instead of making tall claims,
come forward and establish welfare institutes like KKF to practically help the
people then more assistance and help can be offered to public. And if other
political parties do not come forward then the people will be right in
understanding that there is no truth or reality in their claims of serving the
people.
Mr Hussain said that as a result of the medieval
system and political culture prevalent in the country, the gulf between the
poor and rich has widened and no practical steps have been taken to fill this
gulf. A section of people in our country have no employment and facing
starvation; whereas another section is very rich. The condition of middle class
section of people is deteriorating with every passing day. Mr Hussain said that
we didn’t waited to be in absolute power in the country to serve the people but
in fact we started providing service to the people without discrimination on
the basis of “help us to help themselves” and the mission continues for the
past 27 years.
Mr Hussain appealed to the philanthropist and affluent
people of the country to visit the KKF and its centres to witness how this
institute is providing welfare services and relief to the general public. He
appealed to all the affluent people that if they donate generously towards the
Ambulance and Hearse Service then we will establish welfare centres in the 14
zones of Sindh Province in the current year.
Mr Hussain reminded that alongside providing welfare
services to the poor and needy, the MQM is also struggling for the rights of
poor and oppressed people, which is an open fact. He also said that the stance
of MQM on water and NFC Award is incomparable in the history. Similarly, the
MQM also raised its voice against the operation in Balochistan despite being
part of the Government. The people of Lyari repeatedly voted for the PPP but
despite thrice coming into power, the PPP paid no attention to their grievances
and problems and no Governor or Prime Minister visited Lyari. However, MQM’s Dr
Ishrat-ul Ebad after becoming the Governor of Sindh not only visited Lyari many
times but he is also paying special attention towards resolving the issues of
Lyari.
Mr Hussain said that on the occasion of Eid, people
dress their children in new clothes but the children of poor families are
deprived of new clothes and the joy of Eid. Every year during Ramadan, the KKF
offers help and assistance to such poor and needy families, widows, and orphans
by distributing aid so these families can also join in Eid celebrations. Mr
Hussain appealed to the members of public and particularly to the affluent
people to generously donate zakat, fitra, sadaqa and other contributions to KKF
so as more and more aid and assistance can be offered to more and more needy
families. He also stressed upon the workers and volunteers to accelerate their
efforts for the collection of zakat, fitra and other voluntary contributions.
He also strongly instructed all the volunteers and workers to refrain from
using coercive means for the collection of zakat and fitra and happily accept
whatever is offered willingly and voluntarily.
Mr Hussain advised President of KKF Sheikh Liaquat
Hussain to award medals and certificate to zones and sectors in recognition of
their efforts in collecting zakat and fitra during Ramadan. He instructed all
the volunteers and workers to be polite and courteous to the needy and poor
people who are coming to KKF. He congratulated the participants in advance for
the forthcoming holy month of Ramadan. He also paid glowing tributes to
President KKF Sheikh Liaquat Hussain, the office bearers, volunteers and
workers for their hard work in KKF welfare activities.