- RSS
- Today's Paper
- Subscribe
- beta 2.1
Alerts
Ashraf was misguided as power minister: Altaf Hussain
MQM chief challenges opposition parties to debate on NRO, says will quit politics if he loses.
MQM chief challenges opposition parties to debate on NRO, says will quit politics if he loses. PHOTO: APP/FILE
KARACHI: Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain, defending Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf’s tenure as the power minister, said that he was misguided and misled by others and all the blame was placed on him.
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.”
Read more:
RajaPervez
Reader Comments (44)
Pakistan Latest Stories
Railways Ministry: 238 legal advisers shown the door
Railway Minister says hiring of the legal advisers was done on political grounds.
Newly elected Balochistan cabinet sworn in
Earlier, the government had not named the cabinet and in absence of a finance minister, CM was to present the budget.
PM meets army chief to discuss new security policy
Counter-terrorism strategy, Afghanistan's political situation and border security amongst things discussed.
'Blasphemous newspaper': Court denies bail to Ahmadi distributors
Two other alleged accomplices were granted bail.
PML-N leader’s party membership suspended over bus hostess slap incident
PML-N leadership demanded answers within three days, while CM Punjab ordered inquiry into the matter.
Gas reserves discovered in Sindh: Report
Discovery expected to reduce demand supply gap in energy.
Cylinder blast in Gujranwala plaza injures seven
Injured were shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Imran Farooq murder: Scotland Yard officers raid more houses in London
The police had raided two houses in the same area on June 18.
Protesting killings: MQM MNAs walk out of National Assembly session
The MQM MNAs returned to the house after registering the protest.
Jiah Khan's letter will be sent to handwriting expert: Police
Sooraj was arrested June 10 in connection with the suicide of actor Jiah Khan.
Recent Slideshows
More in Pakistan
Moving with times: Pakistan Post aims for competitive edge
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, redistributed or derived from.
Unless otherwise stated, all content is copyrighted © 2013 The Express Tribune News Network.
Technical feedback? [email protected]
I wonder if he is misguided this time to run the country, What will happen then.
Recommend
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.
Recommend
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.
Recommend
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?
Recommend
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.
Recommend
When unqualified people are handed important position “misguidance” is bound to occur.
Recommend
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!
Recommend
I support MQM, but I don’t think the current PM needed any misguiding.
Recommend
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.
Recommend
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?
Recommend
See who is saying:
“Opposition should stop protesting in the country. If they want to protest, they should do it as per law.” :-)
Recommend
A “clever” way of protecting “friends” and putting all the blames on other,,,.
Good thinking, Altaf Bhai…
I am impressed with your “philosophy”,,
Recommend
When did Altaf Hussein become a philospher? Recommend
@Kanwal: Do u need democracy in any shape or Martial Law….Chose n then comment
Recommend
““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.
Recommend
@Junaid Naseer Faroqui:
He was misguided and what makes you think that he won’t be misguided this time. We need educated people representing us and not these.Recommend
He was misguided.
Now he took oath to misguide the whole nation.
Recommend
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.
Recommend
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?
Recommend
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.
Recommend
I’ve no clue how Pakistan is intact with these guys running it! It is a Miracle!
Recommend
You have been in power since demise of Ziaul Haq. Your party has supported 3 PPP govts, 2 PMLN, on e of Musharff dictator PMQ> you have been constantly in power since 1989, part of all Govts never in oppoisition. Tommorow if PTI or PMLN comes to power for sure you will form collation with them as you have always done in past. What has this Govt given to Pakistanis what are your basis of support to current PPP regime who has broken a;; corruption records and made country bankrupt, Is Raja Pervaiaz a kid who is mis-guided. Moment of shame for MQM.Recommend
Censoring comments ET? No freedom of expression here I suppose
Recommend
Altaf bhai plain and simple: GAME OVER Pakisanis have had enough is enough! No more MQM support for any corrupt government. Recommend
@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.
Recommend
Was he misguided when he took 400 billion bribe for Rental Power Projects? Recommend
MQM….till when your “buttering” for PPP will continue? till the next general elections or will it continue for every central govt?
Recommend
what if he is misguided again as in his capacity of prime minister of country. consequences will be devastating. Is’nt it Mr MQM
Recommend
@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.
Recommend
id opt for dictatorship over such pseudo democracy in a heartbeat!… zardari junior was right…they took their revenge….and they called it Democracy
Recommend
MQM talk about democracy but never felt any shame in sharing the power with the dictator for 5 years. They talk about the emancipation of the poor but sell their conscience by supporting the most corrupt Government of PPP. Now Altaf Bhai is delivering sermons for the institutions to work within their constitutional limits but does not have moral courage to tell the Government to comply with the Supreme Courts orders. MQM is also partner in PPP’s crime of imposing Raja Rental as the PM on the poor people of Pakistan. MQM has been fully exposed and people of Pakistan are not prepared to believe even a single word coming out of Altaf Bhai’s mouth. Recommend
@ 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.
Recommend
Altaf Jee is not protecting PM Raja Rental. He is protecting his decision of supporting him. Afterall, he has to comeup with yet another story to be with the government. One really wonders who are these leaders supproting. Everyone in the streets is fedup with these so called leaders and they yet claim the supreme majority. It is a really shameful for a serious Pakistani to have Raja Rental as PM of Pakistan. It is not just the rental issues. Find out about his house in Islamabad and ask the question – how did he get teh resources to construct this house. Google earch can help.Recommend
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.
Recommend
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!
Recommend
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 :)
Recommend
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.
Recommend
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.
Recommend
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!
Recommend
@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
Recommend
@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.
Recommend
@Lala Pakistani: Very well said :)
Recommend
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.
Recommend
@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.
Recommend