MQM WILL BE FIRST IN SINDH PROVICE – ALTAF HUSSAIN

London – 22 September 2002
Mr Altaf Hussain, MQM Founder & Leader, has stated that if the forthcoming Elections are transparent, fair and free; the Establishment does not obstruct the MQM Election Campaign and the No-Go Areas are abolished then Muttahida Quami Movement will be the first in Sindh Province.  He was addressing a public gathering organised by MQM Unit, in Johannesburg , South Africa on Saturday.  Apart from Johannesburg , workers and supporters from Pretoria , Durban , Bukham and Lodium also participated.

Speaking on the election campaign Mr Hussain said that MQM has nominated its candidates throughout Pakistan including the reserved seats for women and religious minorities.  He said that MQM’s popularity is increasing with every passing day and today not only in the cities but also in remote villages and towns could witness MQM flags and banners.  People from all communities and religious minorities are joining the MQM in large numbers.  They have now accepted and acknowledged the fact that MQM is the only political party, with a clear program and honest members, struggling for the rights of the poor and middle-class. He said that very soon, not only the MQM’s message would spread in every nook and corner of the country but also as a result of its righteous struggle, a revolution would dawn upon the country, thus establishing an equitous system and spread of prosperity.  Education would be made available to all citizens.  Health facilities would be provided and the poor would not be thirsty for water.  Equal rights for employment would be provided without discrimination to all irrespective of their cast, colour, ethnicity and even religion.  Educated people such as doctors, engineers and technicians would not be compelled to go abroad for employment.  Courts would be made independent and autonomous and law would be applied indiscriminately across the board.  The law enforcement and government agencies would not be permitted to commit extra-judicial executions of innocent citizens and political opponents, torture them and coerce them to have no other choice but to go into exile.  In fact, it would be the duty of law enforcement and security agencies to protect the country and the life and property of its citizens. 

Mr Hussain said that it is human nature to feel happy and peaceful on one’s motherland and amongst one’s community.  No one happily leaves one’s city and motherland.  If a just system would have been established and state apparatus would not have been used to crush political opponents then Altaf Hussain and his companions would not have to live in exile.  He said that soon he and his companions would be amongst their own people, in their cities and on the soil of their motherland.

Addressing the MQM workers in South Africa Mr Hussain said that you are residing in a country whose citizens were enslaved for a long period by the white minority and after a long and persistent struggle they attained their rights.  In countries like South Africa the deprived are attaining their rights, however, ironically even today in Pakistan , the poor and oppressed citizens are suffering from atrocities.  MQM is struggling against such injustices and oppression.  MQM wants to attain the rights of the deprived public irrespective of their cast, colour, ethnicity and even religion.  Mr Hussain stressed upon all the workers to contact their relatives in Pakistan , communicate the MQM’s message and ask them to vote for MQM in the coming elections.