ALTAF URGES AUTHORITIES TO PRIORITISE DIALOGUE OVER FORCE
LONDON. [UK]. April 1: Addressing 333rd intellectual session, MQM supremo Altaf Hussain made an urgent appeal to Pakistan’s leadership, particularly to Chief of Army Staff General Hafiz Asim Munir, heads of all armed forces, chiefs of ISI and MI, as well as all corps commanders and operational commanders.
Drawing an analogy to the elasticity of rubber, Hussain emphasized that just as rubber can only be stretched to a certain limit before breaking, the situation in Balochistan has reached its breaking point.
He warned that no matter how much force is applied, the crisis can no longer be controlled through suppression alone. Based on his 46 years of experience and an in-depth analysis of various conflicts, he foresees a disastrous future if timely and positive decisions are not made.
In a heartfelt plea to the country’s powerful decision-makers, he urged them to set aside their egos, halt the use of force, initiate negotiations, and work towards saving the nation from further turmoil.
He also highlighted the two-day ultimatum given by Sardar Akhtar Mengal, head of the Balochistan National Party (BNP), who has announced a long march from Lakpas to Quetta in pursuit of his demands. Although some representatives from the Balochistan provincial government have attempted to engage in dialogue with Mengal, they reportedly lack the authority to implement any resolutions.
Calling for sincere negotiations, Hussain stressed the need to consider Mengal’s legitimate demands with an open mind and take immediate action, including:
The unconditional release of Dr. Mah Rang Baloch and all detained members of the Baloch Solidarity Committee; The release of all missing persons; An immediate halt to military operations in Balochistan; Engaging in discussions with genuine Baloch representatives; Ceasing drone strikes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and granting the province’s government and people the right to ensure their own security.
Hussain asserted that taking these steps would significantly reduce the growing divide between the military and the general public, fostering trust and unity.
Addressing Baloch, Pashtun, and other militant groups or individuals angered by the current situation, Hussain appealed for a ceasefire and urged them to initiate talks. He emphasized that constructive dialogue is the only viable path to lasting peace.
In his concluding remarks, Hussain called on all decision-makers, saying, “This is the time to heal wounds. Address the grievances of the people, engage in meaningful discussions, and take steps to save the country.”
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Statement
I urge all the powerful rulers of Pakistan, especially the Chief of Army Staff General Hafiz Asim Munir, the heads of all armed forces, the chiefs of ISI and MI, all corps commanders, and operational commanders, to recognize that just as rubber can only be stretched to its limit before breaking, every situation has its threshold. The crisis in Balochistan has reached that breaking point and can no longer be stretched further. No matter how much force is applied, the situation cannot be controlled. After deeply analyzing all past conflicts and based on my 46 years of experience, I foresee a disastrous future if the right and positive decisions are not made today. Therefore, I sincerely appeal to all the powerful and authoritative figures to set aside their egos, stop the use of force, initiate negotiations, and save the country.
Sardar Akhtar Mengal, the head of the Balochistan National Party, has given a two-day ultimatum for his demands and announced a long march from Lakpas to Quetta. Although some members of the provincial government of Balochistan have approached Sardar Akhtar Mengal for dialogue, they lack the authority to approve his demands. Serious efforts should be made to engage in discussions with him, and his legitimate demands should be considered with an open mind. His concerns should be addressed by immediately releasing Dr Mah Rang Baloch and all detained women, youth, and elders from the Baloch Solidarity Committee. Missing persons should be recovered, military operations in Balochistan should be halted immediately, and dialogue should be initiated with genuine representatives. Drone strikes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa should be stopped, and the province’s government and people should be given the right to ensure their own security. I assure you that taking these steps will reduce the growing divide between the military and the public.
I also appeal to Baloch, Pashtun, and other militant groups, as well as those who are angry and frustrated, to observe a ceasefire and initiate dialogue.
I urge all those in power that this is the time to heal wounds. Address the grievances of the people, engage in meaningful discussions, and take steps to save the country.
Address at 233rd intellectual session on TikTok on April 1, 2025.