Altaf Hussain – speaking via telephone during a “Paigham-e-Mohabbat” (a message of love) rally at the Jinnah Ground organised especially for the Pashtun and Hazara community – said that elements that have conspired against Karachi by provoking Mohajir-Pashtun riots should see that both communities stand united today.
Tens of thousands of Pashtuns and Hazaras from various parts of the city were present at the venue on Sunday amidst tight security. Pashtun music, dance and fireworks inspired participants as people of various ethnic backgrounds visited MQM’s headquarters for the first time. Asserting that Mohajirs and Pashtuns were brothers, the MQM chief appealed to the people living in Karachi to observe peace and not fight against each other — advising the Urdu-speaking people to protect the Pushtun businesses in their areas.
Calling MQM a party of people belonging to different ethnicities rather than just of the Urdu-speaking people, Hussain said that “Pashtuns are my brothers as much as the Mohajirs”.
He said that this public gathering conveyed to the world a message of solidarity and brotherhood. “The message of this gathering is nothing but love and solidarity among the oppressed and downtrodden people who have been deprived of their basic rights,” he said.
Taking an oath from both the Mohajirs and Pakhtuns, he appealed to the supporters of his party to make space for other ethnicities.
“Promise me you’ll not fight from today onwards,” he insisted. He asked all the ethnicities to take a pledge that they would give “their blood to protect each other”.
“Look at this huge gathering and see how the Pushtuns like and respect their Urdu-speaking brothers and Altaf Hussain’s party.”
“Do not fight anymore under any circumstances,” he insisted.
The MQM chief appealed to the provincial government of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) and the federal government to create employment opportunities in K-P by setting up industries. “Unemployment should be eliminated. The people of K-P have given immense sacrifices for the country but their areas are deprived of education and other facilities. This sense of deprivation should be removed and they should be provided with basic facilities of education and health,” he demanded.
“People from K-P come to Karachi because of a lack of job opportunities in their province.”
New premier
Referring to the succession of Raja Pervez Ashraf as the new prime minister after the disqualification of Yousaf Raza Gilani, Hussain appreciated the fact that the government had respected the Supreme Court’s decision.
“The general elections are near and all political parties must wait for the right time for the sake of democracy and stability. The interests of this country lie in the continuation of the democratic process. Conspiracies against democracy must end,” he maintained.
As part of the ruling coalition, Hussain said MQM believed that all institutions must act within their limits. “They must resist from overstepping their respective domains. It is time for unity and solidarity.”
Meanwhile, MQM Coordination Committee’s Deputy Convener Dr Farooq Sattar said that the public rally will prove to be an important landmark for bringing lasting peace and harmony in Karachi.
Published in The Express Tribune, 25th, 2012.
COMMENTS (51)
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By the way what happened to the murderer of Bhutto Benazir and Zulfikar @Asad:
It is a very positive move by MQM and Altaf Hussain Bhai. This message of love and harmony will definitely be helpful in restoring the peace and amity in Karachi.
For those who criticise altaf do you know he has never run as a candidate in election, mpa mna etc! He's a true leader of middle class educated people. Therefor, it shouldn't really matter if he holds a dual nationality he's not interested in becoming a president or prime minster of Pak.
I would like to request all my brothers / sisters who are giving their negative comments and harsh criticisms, If you don’t have the ability and thoughts to take some constructive and beneficial steps for our own community, so please let MQM proceed and consider it as a good deed.
The Hallmarks of the Paigham-e-Mohabbat” (a message of love) rally at the Jinnah Ground “Founder & Leader of MQM Altaf Hussain said: the message of this gathering is nothing but love and solidarity among the oppressed and downtrodden people who have been deprived of their basic rights”.
Very strong & positive move by MQM and Altaf Hussain Bhai. This message of love and harmony will definitely be helpful in restoring the peace and amity in Karachi. Well done MQM.
If MQM cleans up its act, it has the potential to become the first political party in Pakistan.. MQM is the National party and QeT Altaf Hussain is the only leader of oppressed people of Pakistan
In the ethnically deteriorating situation of the multi-cultural city_Karachi, it was really unbelievable to see the Pashto speaking people in so impressive number in Jinnah ground. MQM really made it! The Pashtun convention was a very good message to other ethnic communities living in Karachi. It really left pretty pleasant impression not only in the city, but also all over the country. The credit goes to MQM and its leader Altaf Hussain. To this extent, MQM has done its part. Now, all other ethnically based parties and groups should be required to reciprocally give positive message to the other communities especially Urdu speaking so that the congenial atmosphere can develop in the city. ANP, STP, JSQM, Awami Tehreek etc should also organize such conventions for the Urdu speaking community to prove that they also consider them like their own brothers.
People wh0 call MQM Ethnic party can see MQM is the National party and QeT Altaf Bhai is the only leader of oppressed people of Pakistan Only QeT Address the issues of the nation !! Give chance to MQM .. because only MQM can bring the real change in Pakistan !!
As Usual Pathetic Approach By MQM Bashers! Its Time For Everyone To Get Rid Of Biased Mentality & Learn To Appreciate Good Deeds, I Am Confident To Say That No One In Karachi Has Every Seen Such A Large Gathering Of People From KPK & Beyond Doubts The Credit Goes To Leadership Of MQM Who Has The Vision & Courage To Speak About The Unity Of All Ethnic Segments Of Society, Did Anyone Hear About Altaf Hussain Giving A Clear Directive To His Followers To Protect Lives & Property Of People Hailing From KPK? If You Missed That Part Please Checkout Complete Coverage Of The Speech On YouTube Before You Make Any Biased Comment!!
@Kazim: Beta learn history n then come online n be-able to comment. 1965 n 1971 were most crucial days when karachites saw blood bath. Pls keep your emotions n biases logical. If cannot then refrain pls
Quaid-e-Tehrik Altaf hussain and MQM is the only solution to pakistan. unity,solidirity,and stability (social, political and economical) can be brought in pakistan only if MQM is given a fair chance to serve the nation with all required power.
This is a question to Kazim. Your statement that there was peace in Karachi before MQM came into existance is utterly wrong. I was born before Pakistan and I remember the sixties Karachi when Ayub Khan sons were celebrating their illegal and fraudulent victory by rioting in Liaqatabad. MQM was not born then. Then I was in Karachi in December 986 when there were large scale armed conflicts for weeks in Karachi especially Sohrab Got. So, your claim is false.
Well done MQM......MQM is the only party in Pakistan which can turn Pakistan into growing and progressive state. God Bless MQM.
What a Leader - Altaf Bhai Zindabad - The message of Altaf Hussain is Peace and Love - GA Altaf - GA Pakistan
Altah Hussain A true visionary leader in the history of Pakistan - Sooner or later MQM will rule the country.
Massive turnout in MQM Pakhtun convention cleared all doubts of media and political analysts of Pakistan. MQM's Pakhtoon Hazara Convention was not only a display of power but a beautiful display of peace, unity and brotherhood. MQM knows how to negate false propaganda using its public support and this time MQM used unique tone to answer those who blame its leadership for Target Killing of Pakhtuns settlers of Karachi. In parallel a flop Pakhtun gathering of ANP also conveyed a message that the Pakhtun's of Karachi have completely rejected Mafias of ANP whereas their massive attendance in MQM's convention has clearly showed their association with MQM. I can confidently say that turnout in June 24th Pakhtun convention will wipe-out all false allegations and help MQM to penetrate in Pakhtun dominated areas of Pakistan. It is yet another milestone achieved by MQM leadership and they definitely deserve huge appreciation.
M. Abbas Canada
Very good ... We were waiting for it for a long time. InshaAllah it will make difference and will integrate the pepole of all ethinic group. More work should be done in the same manner.
I think, it is a very positive move by MQM and Altaf Hussain Bhai. This message of love and harmony will definitely be helpful in restoring the peace and amity in Karachi.
I would like to request all my brothers / sisters who are giving their negative comments and harsh criticisms, If you don’t have the ability and thoughts to take some constructive and beneficial steps for our own community, so please let MQM procedd and consider it a good deed.
I think, it is a very positive move by MQM and Altaf Hussain Bhai. This message of love and harmony will definitely be helpful in restoring the peace and amity in Karachi.
I would like to request all my brothers / sisters who are giving their negative comments and harsh criticisms, If you don’t have the ability and thoughts to take some constructive and beneficial steps for our own community, so please let MQM proceed and consider it as a good deed.
Middle class, underprivileged and talented people are working hands in hands with MQM to unite all communities in Pakistan. Karachi being the economical hub and the life line of Pakistan will take the lead in setting up the cohesive and interconnected society.
Congratulations to Altaf Hussain and MQM on organizing Pakhtoon and Hazarawal convention in Karachi.
Love to see a lot of hate mongers and paid people who are trying to spread hate against MQM and its millions of workers and supporters. Even these hate Mongers does not know history of Karachi/Pakistan or name of MQM leaders it was Imran farooq not Omar farooq u dumb paid agents...Pakistan is in difficult times we are divided in different sects and ethnic identities if some one is trying to part this gap we as common Pakistani should help them...These paid agent can work hard to create hate between Pakistani's but I am sure soon All pakistani's will realise and start supporting Political parties which have leaders and workers among themselves. the day we will stop voting for elites Pakistan will start progressing as only Educated Middle class can change Pakistan's fate now.
Quaid e Tehreek Altaf husein, is trying his best to deliver the message of peace ,brotherhood,harmony, in the light of The last sermon of holy prophet(PBUH).But there are some hate lover as can be seen from above few comments who never admire any efforts done by MQM in order to restore Peace in Karachi....They live in the heaven of fools....MQM is the only hope for Pakistan and is the only party to prevent the incidents like 1971....Please stop hating your own Pakistani brothers...before its too late... be positive and open minded like MQM.
Altaf Hussain and MQM was paving the way for a revolution of the people belonging to the poor and middle classes by uniting them on a single platform.Pashtun and Hazarewal people showed their confidence in the MQM by making the public meeting a historic success. Good effort by MQM.
The Hallmarks of the Paigham-e-Mohabbat” (a message of love) rally at the Jinnah Ground organised especially for the Pashtun and Hazara community.
“Founder & Leader of MQM Altaf Hussain said: the message of this gathering is nothing but love and solidarity among the oppressed and downtrodden people who have been deprived of their basic rights".
Demographics of Karachi shows that it is one of the diverse societies in Pakistan. Pakhtoon Convention by MQM in Karachi preaches the spirit of tolerance & assimilation. The pragmatic approach of MQM is the key to communal harmony in Karachi and Pakistan.
Congratulations to MQM on Paigham-e-Mohabbat” (a message of love) rally at the Jinnah Ground organised especially for the Pashtun and Hazara community. As said repeatedly by founder & Leader of MQM Mr. Altaf Hussain, Karachiites will do everything to stop and eradicate all the evil forces that are creating reasons to fight.
I fail to understand why people dont understand MQM.Mr Altaf Hussain has always emphasized on harmony and unification amongst the people of pakistan.The gathering on 24 june of the pashtoons at 90 is an eye opener for the people who propagate and have black hearts.With all due respects to the commentators,kindly refrain from being partial,dishonest and disloyal to the nation while commenting on national issues.MQM and ALTAF HUSSAIN IS THE NAME OF REALITY AND PRACTICALISM, YOU LIKE IT OR NOT !!!!!
I believe that a good beginning has been made by the MQM for bringing peace and harmony in Karachi. Karachi is a cosmopolitan city and the people living here must learn to accept each other and show respect for each other. It is also a fact that Karachi is largely inhabited by the Urdu-speaking people. Their legitimate rights should also be accepted with open heart and artificial attempts to reduce them in minority must be discouraged.
Just as everyone has right on Pakistan, the Urdu-speaking people are also Paksitanis. They are not Indian agents and they must not be treated in this way.
The MQM has done a lot for the city of Karachi and other urban areas of Sindh. Its positive work must be appreciated and duly highlighted.
Some parties run on religion Some on secularism Some even run on pragmatism, This one, however, runs on GSM
@ Pakisani Awan, Keep dreaming the fact is from whom you are asking to take suomotu has praised MQM himself by saying that A young Men from Middle class Mostafa Kamal has set example for all why cant we learn from him.
@Kazim: Boy your statement shows that you were born after 1995 :) . Please go and study history well enough and then comment.
@Pakistani-awam: The rules are easily bent in Pakistan. While an individual with dual nationality can not hold membership of the Parliament or holding a public office but a person who has renounced Pakistani passport and proudly displays red passport and yet he, while sitting from London, could unleash his 'peaceful' supporters on poor citizen of Karachi. Such is his propaganda machine and backing of so called independent media he continues to keep Karachi under his thumb as it it was his fiefdom.
So, the answer to your question is that I may be wrong but the rule applies to everyone but here we are dealing with different kettle of fish and the rules are easily bent. After all, it the CJP who has to take notice of that but for some unknown reason he is unable to take action. This is called fear from fascists.
Altaf Hussain is a smart man and Pakistan will prosper under the Muttaheda. Salams
Pls help me understand. Can a British citizen give a speech as leader of one party to people of Pakistan? Any hope for suomotu?
@Maria:Pakistani native people???what a joke..All of the present Pakistanis were Indians before 1947. Sop perpetuating hatred against Urdu speakers.
Great show, message of Love, peace and harmony while on the other hand Hate speeches was given from outfit of ANP, Ironic :(
@Kazim: Read the history. Plz
@Kazim: If someone speaks of peace but still people like you criticize Altaf. Opposition for the sake of opposition only. This has become nature of some ones as criticism is more easier than doing any constructive work.
Muhajirs, Pathans and all other communities are living not only in Karachi but all over Pakistan for about a century besides cordial relations, they do have inter-marriages.
It is high time to disclose "third vested party" who is igniting rift between communities and watching them fight and kill each other. I see Indian RAW and Jewish secret agencies Mosad are quietly doing and engineering all this.
If we are not united, they will have a free hand and do whatever they want to do. I must congratulate Altaf Hussain to developing a sense of brotherhood among these communities. I hope ANP will also respond positively and will work to face, explore and eradicate the third party responsible for all this menace.
Regards Dr. Saleem Siddiqi
Can any descent person support Altaf Hussain?
Now anyone can see MQM is the party for all ethnicities. QT Altaf Bhai wants cultural pluralism n peace n love n tranquility. MQM wants to eliminate hatred among each other n to become one Nation. Those who tried in recent years to create animosity between Mohajirs n Paktoons must realize that what they have Done? Pic is self explanatory!!!!
Like him or hate him. Altaf's rallies are the best organized and the people who attend them are disciplined and cultured.
no fan of altaf - but if MQM is becoming more of a national party even superficially than this is a good thing for the country. Some times words heal even if they come from a fool.
Shouldn't he first apologize for all his hate speeches of 80s and 90s which actually divided people of Karachi?
The cult of MQM shows its power. Altaf preaching ethnic unity? Must be the masters in london pulling some strings. By the way what happened to that Omar farooq murder investigation and subsequent arrests?
Altaf is an exploitative politician. He knows which strings to pull to get the public in his pocket. Even if the strings involve the use violence and death.
good work Altaf bhai...at least someone is talking sanity!
Good for Altaf Husain. If MQM cleans up its act, it has the potential to become the first political party in Pakistan which is not ruled by feudals or mullahs. It's heartening that he is urging peace and harmony. Perhaps its time to forget the past and focus on the future.
Isn't this the same Altaf Hussain who went to India and said that Muhajirs should not have went to Pakistan and should have stayed in India? Altaf has a long way to go to show that he loves Pakistani native people including Pashtuns before he talks about MQM being a party for all Pakistanis and not just Urdu speaking migrants from India.
Where was Altaf Bhai? I was looking all over the stage for him
Rent a rally!! :D If they visit your jalsas doesn't mean you don't hate them. Before the MQM was established there was peace in Karachi and ever since their presence there has constantly been disturbance. These 'shows' are publicity stunts... lets see how long they keep quiet and Karachi doesn't explode again.