MQM IS WITH THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY AGAINST TERRORISM - ALTAF HUSSAIN

London - 26 September 2001

Mr Altaf Hussain, MQM Founder and Leader, while addressing a large public gathering, exceeding two-hundred thousands, today in Karachi, Pakistan, stated that over thirty million dedicated, well-disciplined, hardworking, intelligent and devoted leaders, office bearers, workers and supporters of the MQM in particular and the people of Sindh in general both Mohajirs and Sindhis, are behind the international community in combating terrorism worldwide.

The public gathering was organised by the MQM to demonstrate its solidarity with the international community and to offer its unconditional and fullest cooperation to the international community in combating terrorism.

Addressing the journalists, media personnel and the representatives of the international community, Mr Hussain said that we are gathered here to show our solidarity with the international community and that we are with the international community against terrorism. He offered his heartfelt condolences to those families who have lost their loved ones in the terrorist attacks upon New York and Washington. He said, "I pray to God to rest their souls in peace and provide strength and endurance in this moment of grief to the families of the victims who have lost their loved ones. I also pray to God for the early and speedy recovery of the injured."

At this moment Mr Hussain conveyed a message on behalf of his party, the MQM (Muttahida Quami Movement), and over thirty million dedicated, well-disciplined, hardworking, intelligent and devoted leaders, office bearers, workers and supporters of the MQM in particular and the people of Sindh in general both Mohajirs and Sindhis, that MQM is behind the international community in combating terrorism worldwide. He assured the international community that whatever assistance you require from the MQM, we are unconditionally offering our fullest support and cooperation to the international community.

Informing the international community about the MQM, he said that MQM is the third largest political party in Pakistan and the second largest in Sindh, southern province of Pakistan. MQM is against all sorts of terrorism and believes in genuine democracy and religious tolerance. MQM wants to see Pakistan as a liberal and democratic country of the world and not as a fanatic country of the world. It is essential to combat drug trafficking alongside terrorism because drug finance global terrorism.

Mr Hussain welcomed people of religious minorities who had come to demonstrate their solidarity with the MQM and the international community. He emphasised that Pakistan is not only for the Muslims but also for all the religious minorities; therefore, all the religious minorities must be respected and treated equally like other citizens of Pakistan.