ALTAF HUSSAIN STRESSES UPON THE NEED FOR PEACEFUL METHODS TO REGISTER DIFFERENCES

EXTREMELY PERILOUS SITUATION OF THE COUNTRY DEMANDS UNITY AND SETTING ASIDE POLITICAL DIFFERENCES

LONDON: 25^TH JULY 2011

Extending the hand of friendship to all political and religious, parties the Founder and Leader of Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) Mr Altaf Hussain has appealed them to forget the acrimonies of the past for national security, protecting the lives of innocent people and for ensuring peace and stability in Karachi. He appealed to them to play their due role for peace, progress, prosperity and for promoting brotherly relations among the public. He said this while talking to a meeting of the Co-ordination Committee of the MQM in London and Pakistan.

Mr Hussain said that he was addressing every Pakistani irrespective of religion, sect, regional affiliation, language and nationality. He said that the country was Pakistan through the most critical juncture. Armed forces, defence institutions and internationally recognized research institutions were faced with very difficult situation because of the change in the attitude of international powers particularly the United States.

Mr Hussain said that the economic condition of the country was also very fragile. If all of the political parties and the general public did not get united, leaving aside their personal benefits, in order to pull the country out this perilous condition, then the very existence of the country and its security can become threatened.

Mr Hussain said that we must all make a resolve today that we are equal as Pakistanis. We should not only hold the interest of Pakistan above anything else but we should also assure the government that we are ready to face every difficulty but we would not trade out self-esteem and national honour at any cost.  We are ready to sacrifice anything for the country and its honour.

Mr Hussain appealed to the public across the country to work for the security and existence of the country by rising above their political affiliations. He particularly appealed to the People’s Party and problem-hit people of Liyari to think for Pakistan.

Mr Hussain appealed to the Pakhtuns particularly the leaders of Awami National Party (ANP) to calm their people. He also appealed to the Co-ordination Committee of the MQM and each worker to show restraint and bear with patience in the current difficult situation.

Mr Hussain appealed to the leaders of the PPP and the ANP and all other political parties of the country to show unity for the sake of the country. He made an impassioned appeal to all linguistic entities, nationalities and followers of various religious persuasions to end the senseless killing and mayhem in Karachi. The life of everyone living in Karachi was precious. No one should take the life of another. People should get united and protect the life and property of each other.

Mr Hussain said that we must adopt peaceful democratic means to raise political and ideological differences in a civilized manner. We should adopt peaceful methods instead of pursuing the path of violence. Difference of opinion was the part of democracy. We should have differences of opinion but we must not give up peaceful and democratic methods at any cost. The world should also know that there was a peaceful, democratic and civilized way in Pakistan for registering political differences.

Mr Hussain also appealed to the owners of print and electronic media, anchor persons and editors to desist from holding incendiary talk shows and publication of provocative reports. The dangerous circumstances of the country called for dousing the emotions of the people instead of adding fuel to the fire.

Mr Hussain also appealed to the government to look after the people who had died in recent riots. He expressed his sympathies for all those who were killed in the riots and prayed for their eternal peace.