PEOPLE OF SINDH SHOULD ESTABLISH THEIR OWN "SINDH TELEVISION" -- ALTAF HUSSAIN

London: December 1, 1998

MQM Founder & Leader, Mr. Altaf Hussain has strongly condemned the Government for carrying out the worst ever "Media Trial" of the MQM on State controlled television and other media.

''The Pakistan Television is no more a national television and I appeal to the people of Sindh to establish their own Sindh Television Station'' he said. ''Mian Nawaz Sharif, on the basis of his provincial superiority, is continuing to exploit Sindh Province and intends to make this province a 'colony of the Federation'. The malicious campaign of the Prime Minister is aimed to demolish the concept of provincial autonomy and this situation should make the people of Sindh to think about their future'' he emphasised.

He reminded that in 1988-89, as Chief Minister of Punjab, Nawaz Sharif demanded the establishment of "Punjab Television" merely on the basis of his limited coverage on State controlled media. Mr. Hussain further added that Nawaz Sharif is also responsible for practically forming the "Punjab Bank".

''When Mian Nawaz Sharif could be termed as the most patriotic and well-wisher of the country even after demanding for 'Punjab Television' and creating "Punjab Bank" at provincial level, then the people of Sindh also have the right to establish their own television and bank'' Mr. Hussain said.

Mr. Hussain appealed to all the political parties of the Sindh province and their leaders to put aside all their differences and get united on the agenda of 'unconstitutional and undemocratic interference' of the Federation in the provincial affairs, restoration of democracy in Sindh and the achievement of due rights for all. He emphasised that through united struggle, we will foil the intrigues to turn Sindh into a 'colony of the Federation'.