FORMULA TO SAVE PAKISTAN:  MAKE PROVINCES STRONG BY GIVING THEM A RIGHT TO RULE WITH FULL AUTONOMY - ALTAF HUSSAIN

London – October 4, 2002
The formula to save Pakistan is to make provinces strong by giving them a right to rule with full autonomy, which will also keep federation  stronger. The federation will fall apart if the provinces are purposely kept weaker, said Mr. Altaf Hussain, the founder and leader of Muttahida Quami Movement.  He was addressing to the crowd gathered at Shahdadpur, Jhudo, Nawabshah and Tando Jam simultaneously. These election rallies were attended by several thousands men and women.

Mr. Hussain stated that as we approach the elections, the message of peace and unity is spreading from Karachi to Kashmoor, the people of Sindh are being united regardless of their cast, colour, language and faith.  The poor hari, farmers and middle class people are now coming out of Jagirdars’ influence who for the past 55 years, in the name of Sindh have suppressed Sindh and its people.  Mr. Hussain further stated that in 55 years, many Prime Ministers and Chief Ministers were from Sindh who claimed to be sympathetic to Sindh but failed to provide people of Sindh with their basic needs and quality of life.  They acquired the power but had not voiced for Sindh Province Autonomy.   Today, when Altaf Hussain is struggling for Sindh and bringing Unity among the people of Sindh, these same people are making negative propaganda against Altaf Hussain so that the unity among the permanent citizens could be weakened He asked, can Sindhi and Urdu speaking people who are residing permanently in Sindh achieve their rights separately? If Urdu and Sindhi speaking people live separately, who will benefit, Sindh or Establishment?  And if they did not struggle together, would they be set free from the colonization of the Establishment?  Mr. Hussain further asked the crowd, whether he should end his efforts in bringing unity among the permanent citizens of Sindh The crowd loudly responded “NO”.  He then asked would the enemies of this Unity influence the people of Sindh again, the crowd overwhelmingly responded “NO” “NO”.  He then gave assurances that the people of Sindh would not be far from achieving their rights if they stay united.   Pointing to the Establishment, Mr. Hussain said that the people of Sindh are now awakened, united and ready to achieve their usurped rights.

Mr. Hussain said, whether it’s an issue of water or NFC award, the establishment must provide fundamental rights and autonomy to the people of Sindh.  In Sindh province, I.G. Police, D.I.G., Commissioner, Home Secretary and Chief Secretary are all appointed by Islamabad. This has to stop.  The recruitment in police and Para-military rangers should also be made from Sindh.  He further demanded that recruitment in the army should also be from Sindh.  The formula to safeguard Pakistan is to allow full autonomous status to all the provinces.  Autonomous provinces shall strengthen the federation.

Mr. Altaf Hussain reiterated that those Punjabis, Pakhtoons, Kashmiries and Sarakis who are permanent citizens of Sindh along with their families can be rest assured that we count them as people of Sindh.  You should also participate fully with us for the rights of Sindh.  They welcomed the participation of Punjabi and Pakhtoon brothers in the MQM rallies in Karachi and other towns.  He also whole-heartedly applauded their joining the MQM in large numbers.  He pointed out that the poor, lower middle class and middle class people are coming forward and the message of the MQM is gaining ground.  Sindh would be proud to bring about a lower middle class revolution in the country.  He enthusiastically emphasized that MQM stand to eradicate feudal system and assure the ordinary folks that it would not trade their interests at any cost.  In a rump tons applause he assured the audience that days of oppression are numbered.  Soon, farmers, peasants, students, women, religious minorities and people of lower income group will achieve their fundamental rights.  MQM would leave no stone unturned for the development and progress of Sindh, once in power.  However, regardless of forming a government, MQM will continue to struggle for solving the problems of common man.  He appealed to the audience to spread his message to every village and stand united against adversaries.