ESTABLISHMENT IS EXPLOITING THE KASHMIR ISSUE FOR ITS OWN INTERESTS AND IS DECEIVING THE PEOPLE OF PAKISTAN UNDER THE SLOGAN OF "KASHMIR WOULD BECOME PAKISTAN"

ESTABLISHMENT IS EXPLOITING THE KASHMIR ISSUE FOR ITS OWN INTERESTS AND IS DECEIVING THE PEOPLE OF PAKISTAN UNDER THE SLOGAN OF "KASHMIR WOULD BECOME PAKISTAN" - ALTAF HUSSAIN

London - 29 January 2002

Mr Altaf Hussain, MQM Founder & Leader, has stated that the Establishment is exploiting the Kashmir Issue for its own interests and is deceiving the people of Pakistan under the slogan of "Kashmir would become Pakistan". He was addressing at the inauguration ceremony of the MQM United Kingdom Unit Office in London. Present on the occasion were MQM Convenor Dr Imran Farooq, Deputy Convenor Dr Farooq Sattar, Member of Coordination Committee, Chief Organiser UK & Europe Mohammad Anwar, Joint Chief Organiser UK & Europe Tariq Meer, office bearers and workers of MQM UK Unit.

Speaking on the South Asia Region Mr Hussain said that today the armed forces of Pakistan and India are facing each other on the borders, whereas, the region is engulfed with the fear of war. For the past 54 years, both the countries have fought three wars over the Kashmir Issue, thousands have been killed, both the countries have suffered huge financial and human losses, however, the Kashmir Issue remains unresolved. Mr Hussain said that he put forward the suggestion that the Line of Control (LoC) could be accepted as a permanent possible solution to the Kashmir Issue, however, instead of realistically considering his suggestion, it is being criticised only for the sake of criticism. He said that the people of Pakistan are distressed, unemployment and inflation are common, country's economy is in shambles, therefore, if India continues to deploy its troops on the border for a year then in reply could Pakistan also maintain its troops on border for a year?

Mr Hussain said that for the past 54 years, for its own interests the Establishment is deceiving the people of Pakistan under the slogan of "Kashmir would become Pakistan". Under the pretext of Kashmir Jihad, innocent people have lost their lives, whereas, on the other hand, lavish properties and estates are being made. The Pakistani Generals own numerous wealth. Every General receives Rs. 4,00,00,000 and valuable piece of land on retirement, including bungalows and properties. Under the pretext of accountability, the people of smaller provinces have been sentenced to prison for 14 and 21 years, whereas, no one has asked the Generals and their sons that from where did they acquired billions of rupees and properties?

Referring to the religious and jihadi organizations Mr Hussain said that only a few days ago, the Taliban and their supporters, the so-called religious and jihadi organizations were taking out rallies in various cities of Pakistan, particularly in Karachi, raising jihadi slogans - where are these organizations today? Where are the religious leaders who deceived 14 to 15 years young children, sent them to wage jihad and die? How many of these religious leaders sacrificed their lives while performing jihad? Mr Hussain said that most of the religious leaders preaches other children for jihad but send their own children to America and western countries for higher studies.

Speaking on the role of events and incidents in the success of Movements, Mr Hussain said that some extraordinary events and incidents taking place in the world not only bring about destruction and devastation but sometime also alter the political, geographical and economical situation of the world. Citing an example he said that once the British Empire was so huge that it was said that Sun never sets in the British Empire. However, as a result of the First and Second World War the situation of the world altered and huge empires shrunk and new countries came into being on the World Map.

Mr Hussain said that during the colonization period, several Movements were in operation struggling for freedom from the English and the French. However, after the World War, the situation of the world reached a point where all the Movements, which were active in any part of the world, succeeded in achieving their goals. Mr Hussain said that success is only achieved where there is a Movement.

Mr Hussain said that history informs us that geography gives birth to new geography and country takes birth from country. A country is not based on an individual but it is based on several people. When the people of a country are treated equally without any discrimination regardless of their colour, cast, ethnicity or religion; they are provided equal rights and justice, only then the geography strengthens and the people living in that particular geography emerge as one nation. On the other hand, in a geography where the people are not treated equally, they are discriminated and not provided justice then it breeds uncertainty and displeasure; and if this is not removed then it sparks of hatred, which transform into inferno resulting in complete demolition of the geography.

Mr Altaf Hussain praised the workers of MQM UK Unit on the occasion of the inauguration of the Unit Office. He advised them to remain united, spread the message of the Movement, not get despondent, remain steadfast and continue their righteous struggle. He further said that as a result of the sacrifices of our martyrs, one day our Movement would be successful in achieving its goal and we will reach our destination.