Karachi - September 16, 2007:
MQM Founder and Leader Mr. Altaf Hussain has strongly condemned the callous murders of Members of Karachi Bar Raja Riaz Advocate and Ateeq Ahmed Qadri Advocate. He appealed to the Sindh Government to instruct the intelligence agencies, police and other law enforcing agencies to apprehend the culprits immediately and give them exemplary punishment according to the law of the land. Mr. Hussain while condemning the attack on a passenger bus near Karachi University claiming the lives of innocent citizens, said that this incident is an open act of terrorism and demanded the government to apprehend the terrorists involved. Mr. Hussain also condemned the suicidal attack at the Army Mess at Tarbela Ghazi in which many army personnel of special services group were killed. He stated this while addressing a general workers meeting held in simultaneously in 20 zones of Sindh including Karachi.
In his address Mr. Hussain stated that MQM is a peace loving, democratic and liberal political party, which strongly believes in non-violence and rejects and condemns all kind of terrorism and its manifestations. He specifically said that MQM is not against any ethno-linguistic community of Pakistan and consider everyone as an equal citizen of Pakistan. He said that MQM is the only political party in Pakistan which has been persistently purging its ranks and files; and expelling the elements who are proved to be involved in any sort of illegal and anti-social activities after carrying out thorough investigations. He categorically announced that there is no place in the MQM for any terrorist and elements who take the law in their own hands. He said that MQM is the third largest political party of Pakistan and this has been proved in the consecutive general elections held since 1988. MQM’s philosophy and ideology of “Realism and Practicalism” is in line with the ideals of 21st Century. MQM’s philosophy and message is spreading in every nook and corner of the country and the middle class and poor people are joining the MQM in large numbers. MQM is against feudal system and feudal culture. It wants to abolish the medieval feudal system from the country and the rule of 98 percent middleclass, poor and educated people.
Mr. Hussain said that the USA, the West, the international community, IMF, World Bank and other organizations provide loan and aid to Pakistan and impose restrictions, however, it is unfortunate that they never stress upon imposing restriction with regards to the abolishment of medieval feudal system. If they really want democracy to flourish in Pakistan then they must impose the condition to abolishment the feudal system with the provision of aid to Pakistan. The developed countries of the world must not only see towards the ruling elite of Pakistan. If the America and West want to have a strong and cordial relation with Pakistan then they must develop friendship with the common citizens and not a few individuals.
Mr. Hussain emphasized to the MQM leaders, office bearers and workers not to be provoked under any circumstance; remain peaceful and practically demonstrate their patience. He further said that MQM is the only party which carries out relief operation at the time of need without considering caste, creed and religion and also providing medical facilities to the needy people at their door steps during the crisis.
In his address Mr. Hussain informed that the country is passing through a critical phase and I pray for peace and law and order in the country. He also stressed for the need of unity amongst the citizens of Pakistan. It is the need of time that we must sit together despite our political differences for the solidarity of the country, work according to our respective manifestos and jointly eradicate the politics of violence and work on the policy of co-existence. He requested the President and the Prime Minister to invite the Opposition parties to come forward and advise the Government what they can do for the country. He further demanded of the President and Prime Minister to call a round table conference inviting all the ethno-linguistic identities, political and religious parties to formulate a unanimously agreed line of action for the integrity, safety, solidarity and sustenance of the country.
He said that certain anti-MQM elements publish adventurous and self-made stories in the newspapers indicating that Karachi’s peace is under threat. He specifically referred to a news item which allegedly reported that arms are being distributed in various areas of Karachi. He asked the workers have they witnessed this distribution of arms in Karachi – they replied “No”. He advised the MQM workers such news item must be taken seriously and we must remain alert. The reason behind such news item is to commit acts of terrorism and then blame the MQM.
Mr. Hussain advised the Members of MQM Coordination Committee instead of issuing statements against others – they must issue statements on party philosophy and the country’s situation. He said that the MQM is taking the first step and will stop issuing statements against lawyers, political and religious parties. Mr. Hussain categorically apologized to the journalists, lawyer’s fraternity or any other party that if they were hurt by any of his sentence in his recent speeches or statements.
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