Telephonic conversation with noted human rights activist Asma Jahangir
Founder and Leader of Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) Mr Altaf Hussain has said that it was highly unfortunate to call the people, who were struggling for the stability of the country, survival of democracy and the basic human rights of the deprived people, as traitors. He said that calling people traitors because of ideological and political differences must end. He was talking to the former president of the Supreme Court Bar Association and noted human rights leader Ms Asma Jahangir on the telephone.
Mr Hussain expressed sorrow on calling Ms Jahangir as a traitor to the country by certain elements. He said that the MQM was also called a traitor for raising its voice for the rights of the deprived people. Lately, Hussain Haqqani has been also called traitor, and now the same allegation has been levelled against Ms Jahangir. He termed it highly unfortunate for the country.
Referring to the death threats being given to Ms Jahangir and banning her entry to the bar by some bar associations, Mr Hussain said that it was both undemocratic and unfortunate. More so for a lady who had offered immense sacrifices for human rights, independence of judiciary and civil liberties in the country and had suffered incarceration because of her selfless struggle.
Mr Hussain assured full co-operation to Ms Jahangir and said that the MQM would stand by her in the difficult time and in her struggle for democracy and human rights in the country.
Ms Jahangir thanked Mr Hussain for expressing sympathy and solidarity in difficult times and said that she was greatly encouraged by the MQM’s support.
Mr Jahangir agreed with Mr Hussain that no one should be called a traitor because of ideological differences and political leanings. She said that restricting the freedom of expression was not in the interest of the country. She said that democratic culture in the country would take roots if a difference in the opinion was tolerated, and views expressed by others were heard in good spirit.