ALTAF HUSSAIN ASKS PEOPLE OF SOUTHERN PUNJAB TO GIVE MQM A CHANCE

MQM WILL NOT DISAPPOINT THE PEOPLE OF SOUTHERN PUNJAB

MULTAN: 22^ND DECEMBER 2011:

Founder and Leader of Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) Mr Altaf Hussain has asked the people of southern Punjab to test the MQM for once only, and they will not be disappointed. He said that the people of southern Punjab had been voting for various political parties for the past 64 years, and none has solved the problems of the oppressed people. He said this while addressing a big rally of MQM officials, workers and sympathizers at the Sports Ground which is also the venue of the public meeting being organized by the MQM on 23^rd December in Multan.

Mr Hussain said that the MQM does not only speak about empowering the people of the poor and middle class in the country, but it has practically demonstrated this by sending them in the corridors of power. He said that the MQM would free the 98 percent people from the shackles of the 2 percent privileged class and change the country according to the ideals of Quaid-i-Azam and Allama Iqbal.  Mr Hussain said that if the nation gave the MQM an opportunity, its elected representatives would solve the problems of the poor people, students and business community. He gave assurances to the people living in Seraiki belt, Multan and Bahawalpur that only the MQM could get them their usurped rights.Mr Hussain said that the rally taken out by the people living in the affluent areas of Defence and Clifton of Karachi in connection with the public meeting in Multan indicated they were also with the MQM in its struggle. He praised the MQM officials and workers, particularly members of the Medical Aid Committee of the MQM, for working day and night for the success of the public meeting.

THREATS TO HAMID MIR AGAINST THE FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION: ALTAF HUSSAIN

LONDON: 22^ND DECEMBER 2011:

Founder and Leader of Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) Mr Altaf Hussain telephoned noted journalist and TV anchor Mr Hamid Mir and expressed his concerns over the threats being received to Mr Mir. Mr Hussain said that it was possible to disagree with the views and opinions of an individual but threatening someone based on differences in the opinion was unacceptable. He termed the threats contrary to the freedom of expression and strongly condemned the threats. He expressed solidarity with Mr Mir and sympathized with him. Mr Mir thanked Mr Hussain for showing his concerns.