Only the privileged class in Pakistan has benefited from the fruits of freedom. The poor are still deprived of their basic rights
Founder and Leader of Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) Mr Altaf Hussain has felicitated Pakistanis living throughout the world on the occasion of the 65th Independence Day. He said that the real objectives of the creation of Pakistan could not be achieved unless all the ethnic, linguistic, cultural and religious entities were given their legitimate rights.
Mr Hussain said that it had been 65 years since the independence of the country but unfortunately, the fruits of freedom had been confined to the privileged class, including the feudal lords, waderas and chieftains. The poor and downtrodden people of Pakistan were still tied in the chains of gross injustices and unmitigated oppressions. The poor people were still deprived of their rights.
Mr Hussain said that the concept of a Pakistani nationhood could not take root due to persistent injustices to various ethnic and linguistic entities and subjecting them to discrimination. The founder of Pakistan the Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah had declared complete freedom and equal rights for the followers of all of the religions in Pakistan but the sense of insecurity was growing in the religious minorities in Pakistan as they were never given equal rights.
Mr Hussain said that it was necessary to give equal rights to all ethnic and linguistic entities for making Pakistan strong. Religious minorities should be considered as Pakistanis of equal stature and their protection should be given to their places of worship.
Mr Hussain said that a just and equitable system should be established in Pakistan and no one should be discriminated against because of any reason. This would not only strengthen Pakistan but help in raising the concept of a Pakistani nation.
Mr Hussain asked the people to struggle for making Pakistan a truly independent country and realizing the dreams of the founder of the country.