STOP THE ARMY OPERATION IN BALOCHISTAN – ALTAF HUSSAIN

London – 1st August 2004: MQM Founder Leader Mr Altaf Hussain has said that he is extremely saddened over the army operation launched in various areas of Balochistan including Turbat, Gwadar, Sui, Talar, Kohlo, Basholi, Makran and Chaman. He strongly demanded of the Government of Pakistan to immediately stop this army operation and to resolve the Balochistan issues through honourable dialogue. He reminded that Balochistan has no comparison to FATA (Federally Administered Tribal Areas) and in fact according to the country’s constitution it is one of the four provinces of Pakistan. For a long period, the people of Balochistan have voiced their grievances that their province is being deprived of its due share of its own resources and also deprived of their legitimate rights.

Mr Hussain reiterated the MQM’s crystal clear policy on provincial autonomy that for the stability of Federation it is essential that all provinces are awarded full provincial autonomy. It has now become inevitable that a round-table conference be convened comprising of true, genuine and recognized leadership and intellectuals of Balochistan and smaller provinces to resolve and alleviate the grievances of the people of Balochistan in particular and other smaller provinces in general through amicable and honourable dialogue. He also stressed upon the Federation to take serious notice of disenfranchisement and grievances of the people of smaller provinces and not to use the brute State force to suppress their legitimate demands. Articulating his personal views on the issue, Mr Hussain said that he is extremely saddened over the recent on-going army operation in Balochistan and that he and his party, the Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM), share the sorrow and grief of the people of Balochistan. Addressing the political and religious parties of the country, he asked why the parties who raised vociferous objections over the recent army operation in South Waziristan and Wana have expediently kept silent over the recent army operation in Balochistan? He reminded that the areas in Balochistan where the army operation is being conducted have been inhabited by the people of Balochistan for centuries and do not contain any hideout or dens of foreigners, therefore, the army operation against the people of Balochistan must be stopped forthwith and all the issues be resolved through dialogues.

Addressing the Government of Pakistan, Mr Hussain said that the use of State force against any community or people of a province does not strengthen national integration or unity but on the contrary weakens it and therefore the national and international scenario demands that the recent army operation in Balochistan be stopped immediately. He also addressed the political and religious leaders of the country, intellectuals, writers, columnists, journalists and people from all walks of life to play proactive role in bringing an end to the army operation in Balochistan.

In the end Mr Hussain expressed his and the MQM’s heartfelt condolences to the family members of the Balochs who lost their lives in the current army operation and prayed to Almighty Allah to grant their souls a place in Jannat-ul-Firdaus and solace to the family members to bear this tragic loss.