SERVING HUMANITY IS THE BASIS OF MQM’S IDEOLOGY AND ITS MANIFESTO – ALTAF HUSSAIN

 

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.