MQM IS AGAINST TERRORISM IN ALL ITS SORTS, FORM, SHAPE AND MANIFESTATION - ALTAF HUSSAIN

PAKISTANI STUDENTS STUDYING OVERSEAS SHOULD BE ROLE MODELS OF TOLERANCE AND HUMILITY TO PORTRAY THE TRUE IMAGE OF ISLAM AND PAKISTAN 

London – 21 January 2006

Mr Altaf Hussain, founder and leader of Muttahida Quami Movement while meeting a delegation of overseas Pakistani students studying in the United Kingdom at the International Secretariat in London has stated that the MQM is a peace loving political party and is against terrorism in all its sorts, form, shape and manifestation. He further stated that the foreigners who are using the Pakistani soil to carry out such acts of terrorism must now realise that because of their presence in our country, not only the image of Pakistan is being tarnished in the eyes of international community but also innocent Pakistanis are being killed. He categorically demanded these foreigners and their masters, who are responsible for the acts of terrorism nationally and internationally, for the sake of safety and security of Pakistan and the lives of innocent Pakistanis, to leave our beloved motherland and return to their respective countries. He asked the overseas Pakistani students to present and show the international community the true picture that the Muslims of Pakistan are liberal, tolerant, democratic, peace loving, against terrorism and religious fanaticism; and believe in religious harmony, national integrity and solidarity. The overseas students expressed the concerns that after the terrorist act of 7/7 in London, the country’s image has been tarnished and all the Muslims, especially Pakistani Muslims are worried. Responding to their concerns Mr Hussain said that because of only a few terrorists and miscreants the image of our country and religion has suffered, whereas, a vast majority of the people of Pakistan are against terrorism and totally disassociates with such horrific acts of terrorism. Reiterating the stance of the MQM Mr Hussain said that MQM is against terrorism in all its sorts, forms, shape and manifestation and believes in religious tolerance. He further said that since the terrorist attacks of 9/11 the MQM is the only political party of the country that stood shoulder to shoulder with Pakistani government and the international community and offered its unconditional support in the war against terrorism. MQM is with the international community in war against terrorism and will continue all its efforts in this regard. During the meeting Mr Hussain requested the students to forward his message to all the overseas students to present themselves as role models of tolerance and humility and portray the true image of Islam and Pakistan.