Counsel offices should reopen in Karachi and Mumbai as soon as possible.

I welcome Pranab Mukhurjee’s visit to Pakistan-Altaf Hussain

London 21 May 2008... Mr Altaf Hussain, Founder and Leader of the Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) said that opening of Counsel Offices in Karachi and Mumbai be prioritised by both Governments and should be opened immediately. He said the opening of Counsel Offices in Karachi and Mumbai would facilitate issuance of visas for the people of Sindh who have to go through lots of pain and financial hardships by visiting Islamabad to acquire visas. He further added that opening of Counsel Offices in Karachi and Mumbai would also help enhance the ongoing confidence building measures between the two countries.

Mr Altaf Hussain stressed that friendly relationship between Pakistan and India is vital for the prosperity and betterment of the people of both countries. Reiterating his long standing demand, he urged to the government of Pakistan and India that better visa facilities should provided to the people of Pakistan and India and for this purpose Counsel Offices should reopen in Karachi and Mumbai as soon as possible.

In a statement issued from London Mr. Hussain said that that honourable and friendly relation with neighbouring countries including India is a part of the MQM’s manifesto. He said that MQM wants better relationship between Pakistan and India and both countries should jointly struggle to eliminate poverty, unemployment and for the restoration of peace in South Asia region.

Mr. Hussain welcomed Indian Foreign Minister Mr. Parnab Mukhurjee’s visit to Pakistan and expressed his hope that this visit will be a stepping stone towards establishing peace and friendly relationships not only between the two countries but a long lasting peace in South Asia region. END//