MUMTAZ ALI BHUTTO MEETS ALTAF HUSSAIN AT THE MQM INTERNATIONAL SECRETARIAT IN LONDON TODAY

London –23 March 2003
Mr Mumtaz Ali Bhutto, Leader of Sindh National Front (SNF), called upon MQM Founder and Leader Mr Altaf Hussain at the MQM International Secretariat in London today.  Both the leaders exchanged views on the international scenario in relation to Iraq, problems faced by Pakistan and the country’s overall political situation.  Both the leaders expressed their sorrow over the loss of innocent lives in the attack on Iraq.  The leaders also discussed the consequences of the Iraq War in the region and expressed their concern.  Both leaders agreed that because of the war in Iraq, Pakistan is also passing through a precarious phase.  It is therefore essential that decisions are made in the national interest.

Both the leaders agreed that national integration is the need of the time and this can only be achieved by providing full provincial autonomy to the provinces.  It is essential in the present international scenario to resolve all the matters immediately. 

The leaders expressed that the situation of Pakistan in the light of international scenario is very alarming.  It is the national obligation of Federal Government and the Establishment to understand and realise the miseries of people of Pakistan at large and the people of smaller provinces in particular.  So, the due rights of the provinces and provincial autonomy should be given as soon as possible with a view that justice should not only be done but should also be seen to be done.  Both the leaders emphasised on the unity of rural and urban people of Sindh and assured that they will cooperate and make every possible effort to bring the rural and urban people closer.  They further agreed that the time has come that leaders of Sindh should come forward for the attainment of the rights of Sindh.