INDIA MUST RESPECT THE ASPIRATIONS OF KASHMIRI PEOPLE- ALTAF HUSSAIN
Telephonic address to the Kashmiri people at Nine Zero on Kashmir Day

London: 5^TH February 2011
Founder and Leader of Muttahida Quami Movement Mr Altaf Hussain has said that the Kashmir dispute should be resolved according to the wishes and aspirations of the people of Kashmir. Addressing a large gathering of Kashmiries at MQM Head Office Nine Zero on the occasion of Kashmir Day, Mr Altaf Hussain said that if a majority of the people of Kashmir opted for independence from India in a plebiscite conducted under the aegis of United Nations, then India should respect the verdict of the people. He said that the world has become a global village in which the desires, aspirations and wishes of the Kashmiries cannot be suppressed and hidden. He asked India to adopt the path of peace so that further loss of life could be avoided and the people of Kashmir gained independence for the fulfilment of their desire.

He said that we have been celebrating Kashmir Day for the past 63 years. “We should now decide if we will continue to celebrate this day for the sake of politics in future as well or we will adopt some solid line of action for winning independence for the people of Kashmir. Will the people of Kashmir have to struggle for freedom till the Last Day? MQM is the only political party in the country that has taken practical steps for the people of Kashmir and has always matched its words with action.”

He said, “MQM has suffered a lot ever since its inception. MQM can well understand the pangs of inhuman treatment being given to the Kashmiris and the way they are carrying forward their struggle for self-rule and freedom by giving utmost sacrifices. Kashmir Day is being observed here at Nine Zero today and hopefully the people of Kashmir will find the fulfilment of their dreams from the same place.”

He said, “Nearly all the political and religious parties of the country have been collecting huge amount of money by setting up camps in the name of Kashmiri people but we have never seen any practical steps from these organizations whenever the Kashmiries were faced with difficult times. It was MQM alone that rose to the occasion and its workers, leaders, doctors and parliamentarians continued to work for over a year in order to alleviate the sufferings and miseries of Kashmiri people.”

He said, “My heart goes out to the Kashmiri people for what they have suffered. A large number of Kashmiri people have lost their loved-ones and we want to assure them that we will continue to raise their voice not only in the Parliament but also United Nation and human rights organizations.”

He said, “The spread of information technology has shrunk the world into a global village. It is because of the explosion of information that the events of Egypt, Tunis and Jordan are in the knowledge of everyone. We are seeing revolutions unfolding before our very eyes. People are seeing the events happening before their eyes and supporting public instead of their rulers. India must also adopt a course to save further loss of life in the valley and solve the dispute according to the wishes of the people of Kashmir.”

Addressing the governments of India and Pakistan he said, “You have fought wars in which thousands lost their lives but did these wars change the geography or connection of neighbourhood. It is advisable for neighbouring countries to find solutions to their problems through dialogue and mutual understanding even they are very grave. We should promote friendship, trade and work for the mutual benefit of each other.”

“We should learn a lesson from the European countries that had been at loggerheads with each other in the past but now they have not only established friendly relationships but also have adopted a single currency. Pakistan and India must also learn from the experience of European countries and try to diffuse tension between them. The Kashmir issue would have been solved long ago and each country would have strengthened the economy of the other, there would have been no visa system and trade would have flourished between India and Pakistan, if only the rulers of both the countries had learnt a lesson from experiences of developed countries in the world.”

He demanded of India and Pakistan to engage in meaningful and sincere dialogue for the solution of Kashmir dispute. “It is my advice that the earlier Kashmir dispute is resolved through dialogue instead of warfare the better for both the countries.”

He impressed upon the Kashmiri people and political parties to let go of their difference and forge a united platform for their struggle. MQM will stand by them and help them in their cause. The dispute is about to be solved. What is required is unity and sincere and meaningful dialogue.”

Deputy Convenor of the MQM Dr. Farooq Sattar, Member Legislative Assembly Azad Kashmir Saleem But
and others addressing the gathering

ALTAF HUSSAIN CONDEMNS BLAST IN KHYBER AGENCY

London: 05 February 2011
Founder and Leader of Muttahida Quami Movement Mr Altaf Hussain has expressed his dismay at the bomb blast in Khyber Agency and said that a bomb blast at the start of the month of Rabiul Awwal was unfortunate.  He expressed extreme sorrow and profound grief over loss of lives. Mr Altaf Hussain said that the terrorists carrying out bomb attacks in the country did not deserve any mercy and should be met with full force of the state. He stressed upon President Asif Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gillani for taking stern and co-ordinated steps for eliminating the menace of terrorism from Pakistan. He said that it was the foremost duty of the government to protect the life and property of its citizens and hence the government must utilize all available resources to discharge this responsibility. He prayed for those who lost their lives in the blast and for the early recovery and good health of those injured.

NASIR HUSSAIN – ARIF HUSSAIN MEMORIAL LIBRARY AND RESEARCH CENTRE

Karachi: 5^TH February 2011
A magnificent library and research centre built in the memory of Nasir Hussain Shaheed and Arif Hussain shaheed elder brother and nephew of Mr Altaf Hussain has been built in Federal B Area Block 14 by Khidmat-e-Khalq Foundation. MQM Founder & Leader Mr. Altaf Hussain Will be Address On this Occasion The Library and Research Centre will be Launch By Ms Saira Khatoon, sister of Mr Altaf Hussain.  Members of Co-ordination Committee and MQM Parliamentarians will attend the ceremony.