Mr
Altaf Hussain, founder and leader of Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM), addressing
the members of the Co-ordination Committee of MQM at the Head Office of the
party, commonly known as “Nine Zero” in Karachi over the telephone from London
said that the MQM wants to keep the Federation of Pakistan intact. He said that
the MQM, however, wants full provincial autonomy for the provinces in
accordance with the spirit of the 1940 Resolution presented in Lahore. He
emphasised that barring the Defence, Foreign Affairs and currency, all the
subjects be devolved to the provinces.
Mr
Altaf Hussain said that most of the people claim that demand for separate
states were contained in the 1940 Resolution where the Muslims were in
majority. He said that the MQM does not want separate independent states but
full provincial autonomy for the provinces with the exception of three subjects
namely, Defence, Foreign Affairs and Currency, which could be vested to the
Federation. He said that God help those who are still confused even after this
clarification.
Mr
Altaf Hussain further elaborated that the MQM wants to establish a democratic
structure resembling that of the United States and many of the European
countries. He said that if anyone asks whether we wanted the “confederation”,
tell them that we have defined in clear terms what we want and now it is up to
their perception.
Mr
Hussain suggested to the critics to look at the example of the United States
where all states have their separate flags and supreme courts, which has not
only unified but made the United States a super power of the world. Similarly,
take the example of the Scotland, which has its own parliament, currency,
football and other national teams participating in the world sporting events
independent of the United Kingdom. From the United Kingdom separate teams under
the banner of England, Scotland and Wales participate in sporting events
throughout the world, which does not weaken the integrity of the United
Kingdom. He said that the MQM is demanding the similar structure to save the
Federation of Pakistan. The demand for the full provincial autonomy is for the
integrity and solidarity of the Federation of Pakistan. However, the same attitude of stubbornness
and arrogance is continued as demonstrated in 1971 with the slogan of “Idhar
hum, Udhar tum” (meaning we rule here and you rule there) instead of giving the
due rights to the Bengalis. He further
stated that there is absolutely no harm in having separate flags and the
supreme courts for the provinces, however, these subjects could be negotiated
meaningfully and democratically settled.
Mr
Altaf Hussain urged all the concerned to understand the political thoughts,
ideology and philosophy of the MQM, which ensures not only keeping Pakistan
intact but would also make it prosperous and progressive. He claimed that
Sheikh Mujib-ur-Rahman was termed anti-state for his six points despite
Mujib-ur-Rahman’s flexibility in saying that the points were not sacrosanct and
could be negotiated. Mr Altaf Hussain asserted that the act of communication
and negotiations are the best means available for resolving the
misunderstandings, differences and the problems. It is unfortunate that in our
present political system we do not try to understand other’s political
philosophy, we do not negotiate, we do not hold dialogues and discussions. He
emphasised that there was no harm in stating that in a family where parents do
not give in to just demands of their children, then naturally tensions continue
to build up which eventually leads to the break-up of families.
Mr
Altaf Hussain stressed that what the MQM is presently demanding, is with full
sincerity and devotion to Pakistan after having witnessed the unrest amongst
the people of the smaller provinces due to the sense of deprivation causing
polarisation, which will eventually lead to its logical conclusion i.e. the
increased hatred that would push the people to a stage where all the doors of
negotiations would be found closed. He
said that his critics and the so-called self proclaimed patriots should not
continue to act like an ostrich but demonstrate courage to demand sincere and
meaningful dialogues and negotiations between all parties to find mutually
beneficial solutions. It is up to them to come out of their hibernation and
fearful state of their mind. He acclaimed all those members of the MQM
Coordination Committee who are playing their positive roles within their
capacity and capabilities.