Ashraf was misguided as power minister: Altaf Hussain
But, he hoped that Ashraf had learnt from past mistakes and in his six months in power, he will put all his capabilities to good use.
“He will take such courageous decisions that people won’t have any reservations, but they will rather appreciate him later,” Hussain remarked during Ashraf’s visit to MQM’s Karachi headquarters Nine Zero.
Praising the new PM
Welcoming the new prime minister to MQM headquarters in Karachi, Hussain said that he was happy that Ashraf was not born with a “silver spoon”.
“He was also a worker. He used to put up posters. This has happened for the first time in Pakistan that a worker has become a prime minister.”
Hussain asked the prime minister to work for the country and not his party.
He further advised Ashraf to initiate talks in Balochistan to end the plight of the people in the province. “I also want to advise those sitting in the mountains of Balochistan to prepare for talks as this will be beneficial for you as well as the country”.
Off-topic
After seeking permission from the prime minister to go off-topic, Hussain said that through this phone call, he would like to ask an astrologist, famous by the name of “mamu”, to explain this “strange coincidence” of how the people bearing the same name have been coming into power.
First it was former president Pervez Musharraf, then the current Chief of Army Staff Ashfaq Pervez Kayani and now the newly elected Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf, noted Hussain.
Lauding the PPP
The MQM chief, lauded the workings of ruling Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), and congratulated President Asif Ali Zardari for running the government for 4.5 years even in the “toughest of times”.
“With patience, he accepted all Supreme Court orders. His prime minister, Gilani was disqualified, and with a heavy heart he removed former ambassador to US Husain Haqqani. The Supreme Court also suspended his wife’s membership. Rehman Malik was also suspended from his Senate seat. But the president maintained patience.”
He added that those holding dual nationalities help in strengthening the country’s economy.
Targeting the opposition
On the issue of National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO), Hussain invited all opposition parties to gather in one place and have a debate with him alone on the topic. “If they beat me at it, I’ll leave politics forever,” Hussain challenged.
He added that democracy should not be derailed in the country. “Opposition should stop protesting in the country. If they want to protest, they should do it as per law.”
The country is going through tough times, during which all parties should stop fighting with each other and should be united, added Hussain.
Clash of institutions
Hussain termed the clashes between different institutions of the country as not only harmful for the institutions but also for the country’s democracy, security, economy and its future. “I request the institutions to work within their jurisdiction.”
COMMENTS (44)
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@howz dat: Any body who wants dictatorship as a system for Pakistan, at any time no matter how bad, is in fact an enemy of Pakistan. Period. No grey area here my friend.
The MQM is playing the best role as political party. By accepting decision of Judiciary it has strengthen the institution and by supporting Raja Saheb MQM has tried to pull the democracy out from falling before maturity. Today parties have no good then Raja Saheb but with time elapsed new faces will grow from grass root level to top who will work for transparency and fight to stop corruption. MQM has taken right decision for MQM Raja Saheb is blessing in disguise.
@Lala Pakistani: Very well said :)
@Azam: This is not first time in PPP's regime.See the 4.5 years' history of PPP and observe that on the most of key posts only those are appointed whose are corrupt and corruption charges are implemented against them by the courts.
@Kanwal: You said Ms. Kanwal. This behavior of the Muttaheda is why politics in Pakistan has become a PPP sided affair.
When the PPP blows smoke in the faces of the coalition partners, their response is "it is about to rain," or "what a lovely fragrance."
NO more votes for the Muttaheda. Salams
MQM and Mr Altalf Hussian. Either you are with this government or you're against it! its quite simple. One day you praise the government; the next day you threaten to leave it! Hypocrisy!
Wouldn't it be better if we had a decision from the courts on the Rental power scam, before holding the man responsible - Wait till Faisal Saleh Hayat becomes his Federal Minister.
Altaf Lala should be declared King! He should also be given the position of the Chief of Army Staff. Prime Minister and Chief Justice. and there shoukd always be a darbaan at his service to tweet his Aqwaal e Zareen soon aa they leave Alta Lala's mouth.
Statement is deciphered as Deal is done and gangsters will get what they want. Their blackmailing based politics earn them more favor from weak PPP govt.'Even Media is either afraid of them or lure by them to project them as very tolerant and progressive party and they hide their heinous crimes. Why not media highlight that how a British Citizen can held position in Pakistani party and control it. I know this message will not pass moderation :)
After seeking permission from the prime minister to go off-topic, Hussain said that through this phone call, he would like to ask an astrologist, famous by the name of “mamu”, to explain this “strange coincidence” of how the people bearing the same name have been coming into power.
Someone needs to tell Altaf Bhai that the new Deputy PM's name is also Pervez LOL!
What kind of political debate on NRO is he talking about? All politicians sit together and make a phone call to London to debate with him? and if he loses he will hung up :s I feel pity for those who listens to him.
@ Jibran, You forgot Ghulam Haider Wyne, who was an ordinary person but became Chief Minister of Punjab and Rafiq Ahmed Tarar who became President. PML(N)'s many ordinary members have become Ministers and Governors. Its an equal opportunity party. It will continue its legacy in future too. How can an ordinary PTI member become Prime Minister, when its founder and leader cannot become Prime Minister.
id opt for dictatorship over such pseudo democracy in a heartbeat!... zardari junior was right...they took their revenge....and they called it Democracy
@M Jalil I need democracy in good shape. Full stop. No compromise on quality, no compromise on a choice between military and democracy. These politicians are hand in hand with the corrupt people who bring in the military every time. Do you put them separately? I dont. So i think this democracy and the military are the two sides of same coin and Mr Altaf is being complicit in it.
what if he is misguided again as in his capacity of prime minister of country. consequences will be devastating. Is'nt it Mr MQM
MQM....till when your "buttering" for PPP will continue? till the next general elections or will it continue for every central govt?
@Jibran: Just being from a middle class is not a merit, middle class does have its quota of ineligible, incapable, opportunist and corrupt persons, in a very considerable size.
Censoring comments ET? No freedom of expression here I suppose
I've no clue how Pakistan is intact with these guys running it! It is a Miracle!
MQM has full suppoert for PPP govt for four year. Long and Good partnership Altaf Bhai. MQM be again partner for next govermnet in Pakistan. MQM is in Govt since 13 Years. First they were with Musharf and now with Zardari.
On the issue of National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO), Hussain invited all opposition parties to gather in one place and have a debate with him alone on the topic. “If they beat me at it, I’ll leave politics forever,” Hussain challenged.
1.What does he want to debate/discuss? That NRO was valid? 2.Will he travel to Pakistan to discus or invite opposition members to UK @ MQM' expenses?
My gripe with anything Altaf Hussein says is that if he is an awami leader, why is he sitting comfortably in the UK. He should come back and lead the masses from the front, not via telephone.
I am sorry but I cannot accept anybody that claims leadership but refuses to step on Pakistani soil - be it any leader of any political affiliation.
He was misguided. Now he took oath to misguide the whole nation.
"“He was also a worker. He used to put up posters. This has happened for the first time in Pakistan that a worker has become a prime minister.”" +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Soon he will be back to putting posters.
@Kanwal: Do u need democracy in any shape or Martial Law....Chose n then comment
A "clever" way of protecting "friends" and putting all the blames on other,,,. Good thinking, Altaf Bhai... I am impressed with your "philosophy",,
See who is saying: “Opposition should stop protesting in the country. If they want to protest, they should do it as per law.” :-)
Dea Mr Altaf. this kind of attitude of yours is precisely why i stopped voting MQM. If he was so innocent as to be throughly misguided for such a long time and did nt know this, he is absolutely incapable of running the country, so he is not good enough for being the premeir. If he did all that intentionally, he should be arrested. See where your argument goes?
Please read the message even if you support another party. It is not who is saying it is what is being said. Let us be patriotic and wait for the next elections to vote. The elections were over more than four years ago. Let us respect the voter's mandate for a change.
I support MQM, but I don't think the current PM needed any misguiding.
Only Altaf bhai can have the courage to give such bold statements... When he is saying that, he would have the 'right' information! I am impressed! Bravo!
When unqualified people are handed important position "misguidance" is bound to occur.
Well said. At least there is some one who sees the things possitively. Keep it up. God may bless you and may give wisdom to others also. amin.
Altaf Said “He was also a worker. He used to put up posters." where the merit now has gone which Mr.Altaf used to advocate since 1984. Does Mr.Ashraf capable for the premiership?? Putting party posters is qualification for PM?
He's right, Raja Pervaiz Ashraf was an ordinary worker. Only PPP or MQM could do this. PML-N will never make anyone outside the Sharif family to become the prime minister or the chief minister.
What the world has come to. The corrupt are the kings of the country and every party having their interest is speaking for them. Maybe the end is near.
Was not 4.5 years enough to show a single light of progress? Had the poverty level dropped or increased? Has security of life improved? Are now all pakistanis flocking abroad? Waiting for a miracle from Allah.
I wonder if he is misguided this time to run the country, What will happen then.