Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Altaf Hussain has said that it is highly unfortunate to call people who are struggling for the stability of the country, survival of democracy and the basic human rights of the deprived people traitors.
“Calling people traitors because of ideological and political differences must end,” Hussain said while talking to former Supreme Court Bar Association president and noted human rights activist Asma Jahangir on the telephone on Wednesday.
He regretted that certain elements were calling Jahangir a traitor to the country. He said that the MQM was also called a traitor for raising its voice for the rights of the deprived people.
“Lately, Hussain Haqqani has been also called traitor, and now the same allegation has been levelled against Ms Jahangir,” he said in a statement. The MQM chief termed this practice highly unfortunate for the country.
Referring to death threats being given to Jahangir and the banning of her entry to the bar by some bar associations, Hussain said it was both undemocratic and unfortunate, more so for a woman who had offered immense sacrifices for human rights, independence of the judiciary and civil liberties and had suffered incarceration because of her selfless struggle.
He assured her of full cooperation, and said the MQM would stand by her in the difficult time and in her struggle for democracy and human rights in the country. Jahangir thanked Hussain for expressing sympathy and solidarity in difficult times, and said that she was greatly encouraged by the MQM’s support.