“ I wanted to change Pakistan’s corrupt political system, and today I still want to change this corrupt system of governance.” — Altaf Hussain
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Posted on: 9/20/2026
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“ I wanted to change Pakistan’s corrupt political system, and today I still want to change this corrupt system of governance.” — Altaf Hussain
#17SepBirthdayOfAltafHussain
I want to liberate Pakistan from the domination of feudal lords and waderas. I want a system in the country in which every citizen enjoys equal rights, regardless of their religion or beliefs.
My opposition is not to any individual, province, or political party; rather, it is to a system in which power becomes superior to the law. I oppose the wadera system in Sindh, the feudal structures in Punjab and other provinces, corruption, and a political arrangement in which democratic institutions remain subordinate to a military system.
I am not against the armed forces. My opposition is to the policies of a few generals in the military whose decisions result in harm to the country and its people.
In the past, the name of religion and Islam was used for specific purposes. As a consequence of this misguided policy, religious extremism and Talibanisation spread throughout the country, and their effects were suffered by people across Pakistan, particularly the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Even at that time, I used to say: “The Taliban you are creating will one day become monsters and will devour you yourselves.” But my words were interpreted as being against the military. Today, the consequences of those policies are before the country. Suicide attacks are taking place, and soldiers of the armed forces as well as innocent civilians are losing their lives.
When
’s government was removed and he was arrested, I condemned the action and issued statements in his support. Some MQM workers asked me, “Why are you speaking in his favour when he strongly opposed you in the past?”
I told my colleagues: Do not look at who did something wrong to you; look at what good you can do for someone when they are going through a difficult time.
When Nawaz Sharif’s wife, Begum Kulsoom Nawaz, fell ill in London, I sent colleagues to visit her and inquire about her health. When Nawaz Sharif and his daughter Maryam Nawaz were arrested, I condemned their arrests.
Whenever injustice has been done to anyone, I have raised my voice for them. I have always raised my voice in support of the oppressed and against oppression, regardless of which political party, province, or school of thought the person belonged to.
When I raised my voice against the system, assassination attempts were made against me in Pakistan, and I was attacked with a grenade. Following this, at the request of my colleagues, I came to London temporarily.
I wanted to return to Pakistan, but the path for my return to Pakistan was closed. Even while living here, I continued my struggle. I am still striving for a better system in Pakistan.
Altaf Hussain
Addressing the gathering held in London on the occasion of his 73rd birthday
19 September 2026
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9/23/2026 5:21:05 PM
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