THOSE WHO ARE AGAINST DIALOGUE WITH INDIA AND ISRAEL ARE THE ENEMIES OF PEACE ALTAF HUSSAIN
WE MUST CONCENTRATE ON STRENGTHENING THE COUNTRY’S ECONOMY AND DENOUNCE THE POLITICS OF EXTREMISM
London – 24 September 2005 ...The MQM Founder & Leader Mr Altaf Hussain has stated that this is not the era of confrontations but negotiations and talks; therefore, those who are against dialogue with India and Israel are the enemies of peace. Possession of atomic bomb could not prevent the disintegration of Soviet Union; therefore, we must not be complacent on possessing atomic bomb. Today is atom bomb is economy and we must concentrate on strengthening the country’s economy and denounce the politics of extremism. The country is passing through a critical and difficult phase; therefore, the opposition parties may democratically oppose President General Pervez Musharraf and his government but must stop their politics of agitation, protest, strikes and demonstrations as this will result in weakening of the country. He was expressing these views on Friday eve in London on the occasion of his 52nd Birthday celebrations organised by the MQM United Kingdom Unit. The celebrations were attended by MQM workers and supporters from all over the UK, Pakistan, Belgium, France and the USA. The Members of MQM Coordination Committee, Haq Parast Federal and Provincial Ministers, Advisers, MQM Office bearers from Pakistan and the family members of Mr Altaf Hussain also attended the celebrations.
In his address Mr Hussain said that religious extremism has tarnished the image of Islam throughout the world including the western countries and has created difficulties for the Muslims, particularly Pakistanis. Discussing the role of religious leaders he said that until recently leader of a religious party in Britain was professing khilafat in the UK, inciting the British Muslims for jihad against the British and to murder them. However, after the suicidal bomb attacks of 7th July in London, when the British Government announced crackdown against the religious extremists this religious leader fled to Lebanon. On the recent terrorist threat at the Manchester Airport Mr Hussain appealed to the Muslims living in London, particularly Pakistanis, to stay away from such religious extremists as they are involved in anti-peace activities and as a result Pakistanis living in Britain are being suspected. Speaking on the role of religious extremists in Pakistan, he said that when Pakistan and India entered into dialogue for the resolution of Kashmir Issue then to sabotage this process religious extremist elements threatened to erect the Pakistani flag on the Red Fort of Delhi. He said that Qazi Hussain Ahmed, Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami, is spreading hatred against USA and Britain and preach for jihad but send their children to America for higher education, whereas, he preaches to send other’s children on jihad to Tora Bora. These elements are also against dialogue with Israel whereas Israel’s existence is a reality. He said that for sustainable and durable peace in the Middle East the time has come to hold talks with Israel to facilitate the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian State where the people of Palestine can live freely and peacefully. For the resolution of Palestine Issue the leader of Palestine and Israel are holding talks but the Pakistani religious leaders who are miles away continue to unjustifiably oppose the process. Expressing his sympathy to what is happening in Iraq, Mr Hussain prayed for their betterment so the people of Iraq can also live peacefully. Being a Muslim we must raise our voice against the difficulties faced by other Muslim countries, however, being a Pakistani we must first think about the security and safety of Pakistan.
Mr Hussain said that religious and political parties who supported the uniform
of military dictator General Zia ul Haq are today against the uniform of
President General Pervez Musharraf. He reminded that Pakistan is undergoing a
very critical phase; therefore, it is essential that the opposition parties do
continue to democratically oppose President Musharraf and the present government
but do away with the politics of agitation, strikes and protests so as not to
weaken the country. He said that we want to establish true democracy in the
country, eradication of corruption and the rule of poor and middleclass instead
of feudals and jaagirdars. Mr Hussain reiterated that he practices what he
preaches, never traded on his principles, refused to surrender to the
Establishment despite the fact that his elder brother, nephew and thousands of
his companions were martyred. He said that if he would have sold his conscience
then he would not have been living in exile and owned bungalows in Islamabad. He
said that there is no other leader in Pakistan who does not belong to the
feudal society. The MQM took part in the Local Bodies Elections of 1987, the
General Elections of 1988, 1990, 1993, 1997 and 2002 but he never contested in
any of these elections, never became the Member of National Assembly, the
Provincial Assembly, Minister or an Adviser. He appealed to the leaders of all
the political and religious parties that if they are sincere in serving the
public and provide them basic necessities of life then they should come forward
and announce that they themselves will never contest in any elections. In the
end Mr Hussain paid tributes to the artists from Pakistan and the MQM workers
for their commitment, dedication and resolve. He also praised the workers of MQM
UK for organising the programme.