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MQM to back martial law-like steps: Altaf
MQM chief Altaf Hussain launched a blistering attack on politicians and feudal landlords on Sunday.
KARACHI: Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain launched a blistering attack on politicians and feudal landlords on Sunday, accusing them of corruption and harbouring treasonous designs against the country. Almost in the same breath, the MQM leader vowed to support “any patriotic general” who was prepared “to take action” against those venal politicians and feudal lords, even in the guise of martial law.
Altaf Hussain earlier accused corrupt politicians and feudals of plotting to “break Pakistan into pieces.” He made these remarks during a speech at a general workers’ meeting at Lal Qila Ground in Azizabad. According to him, feudal landlords do not want to see people of lower-middle and the middle classes in politics.
“If we have to choose between two evils, we will go for the lesser evil. If our generals are ready to take any initiatives against these ‘criminals who have looted and plundered this country’ then we will welcome them,” he said.
“If the armed forces can take control by derailing democratic governments, then why not come forward against these landlords and feudals?” he asked.
He appealed to the ISI and the armed forces to stop supporting the looters and landlords. He said that it is high time that people of this country decide that neither will take dictation from America nor any other country. “We have to be stronger at our own,” he said, making a pitch for an increased sense of sovereignty.
He pointed out the dire need for bringing about a French-style revolution in Pakistan. His party was ready to do just that in order to teach “these feudal lords” who are trying to save their property even in calamities.
Altaf Hussain claimed that the Tori bundh breach was man-made because it was intended to divert the flood water and save the lands and properties of these landlords. “This is a criminal act and lots of people have lost their lives and hundreds of others are compelled to leave their abodes. This is the biggest catastrophe to have occurred in the living history of Pakistan,” he said. The MQM chief called for a murder case to be registered against those responsible for the breach.
He announced a donation of five million rupees for the flood victims and called upon workers and leaders of the party to come forward and help the people of the country in their hour of need.
He also spoke out against the foreign policy of the government, saying it was neither up to the mark nor independent. Instead, he said, the foreign policy is influenced by foreign powers. He also appealed to US President Barack Obama to review his policies on Pakistan.
The MQM leader took a dim view of the government’s plan to utilise international donor pledges for flood relief. “I fail to understand how the relief donations being received from abroad are being utilised,” he said.
Recalling the post-earthquake period, he said that the government had acknowledged that it could not carry out proper relief activities because of a severe shortage of helicopters. “But no one knows how the earthquake relief funds were utilised. Why did the government not purchase latest equipment and flying machines for rescue, relief and rehabilitation? The same scenario is being repeated now,” he added.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 23rd, 2010.
Reader Comments (40)
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After earth quke,mqm remain in govt after 2 years. And in current govt mqm is also in govt from more than 2 years.
Mqm should not blame previous or current govt while remaining in govt.Recommend
MQM is Good or Bad But it is far better than other Political Parties in the Country.Recommend
I have never seen media criticizing MQM. To become a leader one should
have to be brave. No one can be a political leader by hiding in foreign
country like a mouse for many years.Recommend
Response to Ali Muhammad: Can you find difference among degree holders and fake degree holders? Between middle class political workers/politicans and jagirdar politicians? That’s the difference I find between MQM and the rest. Taliban and Butchers came in last 10 yrs. Real butchers like waderas and jagirdars exist since 1947 – 63 yrs. Differnece is clear my friendRecommend
Extra-ordinary time requires extra-ordinary measures to deal with the situation……It seems imposible to change the status-co in current electoral process…
If we want democracy, we have to wipe out feudal mindset from our society, I fully suport the idea of Altaf Bhai.Recommend
Mr. Hussain has done it again. In the past also MQM has been guilty of jumping the sinking ship, this is just another attempt by him to draw political milage from a national crisis. For sake of our nation will our politicians for a change stop playing politics & instead do some rehablitation work for our people. What we have heard so far are mere political announcements, pledges & rhetorics, Come on Mr. Hussain your party can do better than just donating just Rs:5 Million for flood affectees.Recommend
MQM is probably the only party that doesnt have feudal land lords and people living in palaces as its party leaders, and the only party which has proved that they are prepared to roll up their sleeves & work eg. mustafa kamal and the unbelievable change he brought to Karachi.
Also, this is the only party that selects people on merit and ability and you dont have to be a wife or a husband or a son or a daughter to get the major posts, which in itself is an achievement in a country like Pakistan. I agree with these comments because there is no denying that Pakistan cannot succeed unless this change is brought.Recommend
It seems MQM is the only political party in Pakistan which not only has taken the cause of average Pakistani, but has consistently shown farsightedness and courage in their decisions and statements. I fully support his statement, as it is the voice of all distressed Pakistanis. I also favour him because of his team, which has shown what is possible in the dire of circumstances.Recommend
MQM is a self serving party which can go to any extent to get its hands greased. They are the benificiaries of the previous Martial laws. Zia Ul Haq created MQM and Musharraf nurtured it.Recommend
why not leaders of MQM look at thier own party and see decomcractic apprach in their leadership and party. Every one knows about it. I terrorisam is more wrost than the Jagirdars and Landlords. We need to look into who is involved in terrorist activites in Karachi since 80s.Recommend
My VOTE is with MR.ALTAF HUSSAIN. Today’s political dilemma is portraying the upcoming civil war, huge destruction May ALLAH SAFE US ALL PAKISTANI NATION. The only reason to Back Martial Law is present political scenario of our Motherland (PAKISTAN).Recommend
Altaf Hussain is a British national. For some period he has stayed in Pakistan as his father came here from India. I donot think that he has any right to involve himself in politics of PakistanRecommend
Altaf because of his deeds is afraid of Army, the only force that can controll him. Now that he himself has invited them the Army should take over Karachi without waiting any more. The martyrs of Karachi are calling Army from their graves.Recommend
What you talking about?
not understandable ,you mean revolution?
Revolution mean Martial Law?
oh, no.
Revolution mean eradication of corruption of political leaders and retired generals?
oh, no I am disagree, it is insufficient ,revolution mean totally change from head to toe.Recommend
Pakistan was made for Muhajirs. They migrated and occupied Sindi lands. Pakistan is theirs. So they know how to rule it.Recommend
AS much as I hate to agree with Altaf on any issue…..Id be much happier seeing a man in uniform lead the country, opposed to one in an ajrak or kothi at the helm of affairs.Recommend
Altaf statement was very mich constitutional when he supported Marshal Law like step, because according to the Article 190 of constitution — if President or his cronies(Feudal, Corrupt politicians)go to jail and the government refuses to take action – the SC can invoke Article 190 and ask the aid of the Army. This is Marshal Law like step which Altaf talked about.
I don’t know why opposition is hell bent on opposing him. In fact every Pakistani wants so including PML N but nobody can dare to speak so openly. Altaf should be appreciated for his stance.Recommend
Pakistan is going through very crucial time. Its a turning point and defining moment. We were already into the daunting threats of global economic recession and law-n-order disturbance. Now this Flood has badly sent us 10-15 years backward. Food Crisis in non-affected areas by flood is also seen in near future.
Have we thought if the grants being allocated to Pakistan are as usual not utilized for the purpose of restoring the lives of flood victims. I believe no one would share a drop of drinking water with us (Pakistanies) in future if it is mis-used.
Pakistan hai tou Jamhooriyat hai…. A democracy due to OR in which Pakistan’s and Pakistanis’ existence God Forbid becomes question mark, is obviously worse than Marshal Law. Political Leadership is seen blaming and finger pointing each other. “You are saying this? you had done this and that in your tenure… Now let us do what we want to….” this is not a good approach.
In the prevailing circumstances, I believe that Mr. Altaf Hussain has raised a very valid point and I am in support of it.Recommend
No Nawaz, no Zardari, yes Musharraf yes.Recommend
At present the way we Pakistanis are suffering from The wrath of Allah,such as earthquake in Northern areas,War with religious and Islamist fighters,storm in coastal areas, Crash of Air Blue and Floods in whole Pakistan are clear indicators that Allah is not happy with us,if then any one say to us to rectify to ourselves and correct our acts and practices,then he should be appreciated and thanked.
M.AKRAM NIAZIRecommend
Altaf Hussain is a British national. For some period he has stayed in Pakistan as his father came here from India. I donot think that he has any right to involve himself in politics of Pakistan..
all pakistani agree ????Recommend
It is certainly a message with hidden meanings. The demographics of Karachi are being forcefully changed to create chaos and the government just watches the show lamely. Lands of hardworking citizens are being taken over, with no check. Interestingly,Mr. Musharraf’s reign saw the quietest periods Karachi has witnessed in sometime. Like it or not, the army is on its way anyway! Maybe we can again have some prosperity. If the army can rid us of the waderas, I am all for it. But, if status-quo has to maintained…think again.Recommend
We are witnessing this musical chair since 1947, which 2% Vaderas, jagirdars and sarmayadars are playing with our country. They are investors basically, they invest in elections and enjoy its unlimited profits by ruling the country for 5 years in the name of “JAMHORIAT” but actually they impose “Republic Marshal Law”. They dont love Pakistan and Pakistani nation, they love money, land & power. In current scenerio I 100% support Mr. Altaf Hussain and his party for asking the patriot Generals to take action against corrupt, venal politicians and feudal lords who want to break our country into small pieces. One more thing, I am 100% sure that every politician and every single man support this idea in his heart but they dont have courage to say it infront of public and media. This act of Altaf Hussain is called the Real LEADERSHIP.Recommend
I have also wondered as to why Army has not taken any steps to weed out corruption and corrupt leaders from Pakistan. Why is it that top intelligence sleuths are busy in making secret agreements with corrupt leaders?
Had they taken any steps to rid the country of this menace, Pakistan would have been a different country.
I support the statement made by Altaf Hussain and I hope that it will not be distorted and quoted out of context. I am sure that when he said that he would support action from patriotic generals, he was speaking against corruption and not in favor of a martial law.Recommend
@M Khan : MQM & its social wing Khidmat e Khalq Foundation (KKF) is serving the humanity in crisis in 2010, since the Super Flood came in Pakistan and till Saturday they have distributed goods of worth Rs. 100 million & 2 days have already passed between today & the day when the following news was published In Daily Express (August 21, 2010). Please have a look at the following link and correct your statistics:
Daily Express August, 20, 2010 (Page 3)
@Asmat Jamal : MQM is the only political party in Pakistan which has not supported by Martial Laws & Corrupt Military Generals. The evidence is Altaf Hussain has been termed to imprisonment 2 times under the Rule Of Zia ul Haq just for raising voice for the 98% downtrodden Pakistanis. And many MQM leaders such as Farooq Sattar had faced illegal imprisonment at Adyala Jail alongwith Javed Hashmi, Asif Zardari etc. in the Rule of Musharraf. So it would be senseless & unfair to call MQM is supported by Corrupt Military Generals like Zia ul Haq.Recommend
Its is again shame for us that we are calling army again MQM may not geting share of in party of landlords in power rather in generalsRecommend
No doubt, the present system must not be continued, enough is enough, this political system is a sort of kings’ doctrine in the name of democracy elected by 85% poor and illiterate people, this political system has proven the worse system in this whole region. This is not democracy, we must not be biased, and we must not be lived in fool’s paradise. Don’t think that what Altaf Hussain has said; just think that justice, developments, prosperity, education and raising the life standard of 85% poor people can never be achieved by this political system. This must be eliminated and bulldoze.Recommend
I appreciate the step and do pray that Army takes over one way or another.Recommend
Imran Khan has endorssed Mr. Hussian statement… TIMES ARE INDEED CHANGING IN PAKISTAN…. PTI and MQM…wow what a COMBO!!Recommend
QUOTED FROM> TRIBUNE-24TH Aug,2010:
A rape case, in which a woman was illegally detained on August 2 at the Sharae Noor Jahan police station by SHO Ameer Muhammad Lashari, is yet another in the series of arbitrary detentions reported against law enforcement agencies, it was stated in a press release issued by the War Against Rape (WAR) on Monday.(UN QUOTE)
The people who still favoring the on-going political system in the name of democracy should understand that which force should come forward and rip off this brutal grip, backed by politically strong jageerdari/wadera shahi and Zameen Dari system consist of MNA’s, MPA’s and other officials. Police is a force only to guard and protect the corrupt political leaders. See what happened in Sialkot, what’s happening in assembly of fake degree holders. Now courts are free but what comes out? The corruption, loot mar, badmashi, ghunda gardi is on top, WHO IS GOING TO STOP this. Only Army,,,,,, I am with you Mr. Husain.Recommend
All like minded are together, who support Altaf and his martial law including Imran Khan (great actor, who played in different episodes against Altaf) but still they are one. Pir Sahib and Mushahid….
All those, who are not politicians, they opt this variant, as it is simple for them to make them ruler.
Now perhaps MQM will washout the chalking on the walls of Karachi made against Imran (Imran Zani!!)
People know, who are enemies of democracy….Recommend
Altaf is playing a big double game here. Either PPP will stop any army operation against MQM (if there is to be). or when Army will have to run the country they will not launch an operation against MQM.Recommend
Smart move ALtaf Hussain.Recommend
Very nice move by Altaf Hussain.. He have really stolen the show! Bravo!Recommend
Since public memory is short, may I refresh the readers that all military take overs in Pakistan have been welcomed by both politicians and the masses. In some cases it was the politicians alone, who invited the generals to take over.
It is an irony that Pakistani Democracy have always failed to deliver.
If we look look at Muslim history, we observe that successful monarchs have only been those who ruled with an iron hand.
While I do not support martial law, it is a ground reality that law and order under Pakistani Democracy has only been an illusion.
I invite readers to have a look at the prosperous nations of the world. No country has developed without rule of law prevailing over everything else.
Any political establishment in Pakistan should understand that without the supremacy of law and equality of all citizens before law, is a mandatory prerequisite for any positive development. Unless such a state is understood, appreciated and achieved, Pakistan will remain trapped in the dark ages.Recommend
GA ALTAF BAHI AND MQM I LOVE MQMRecommend
I am not on favour of the MQM, but I wou!d like to state that their statement of martial law does strike a cord to my heart. It strikes a cord because it is the army of Pakistan handling all the major issues in Pakistan, whether it be in Karachi taking care of target killing situation, where our police seems to being incapable of bringing the situation under control due to corruption, or wheather it be the relief work in the flood stricken areas, where government officials only go there to make guest appearances for the media cameras. But in reality they do nothing but give out aid of an expired nature i.e the food being distributed has mould growing on it. The Army on the other hand with great trust and co operation between the common man working togeather is spearheading in the relief work, wheras our respected (sarcasm) gonverment officials are touring these areas, may i point out with our taxes, as a day out.
And finally do you remember how many people lost their lives for the restoration of the judiciary ,whose motions are not being implimented upon, its as if Pakistan is a jungle ran democracy where every ruler is only interested on their own personal agenda. So why shoulnd’nt the army take on the role of running the country because it does seem to me that they are doing the jobs of our political figures.
PAKISTANI ARMY ZINDABAD,Recommend
i support Altaf’s idea but is our army free from corruption ,because life style of retired generals is as lavish as land lord corrupt politician where do they get money.nobody talks about how muh corrupton occured during Afghan jihad by the generals and religius parties.ithik the middle class should come forward and do something.there r a lot of good middle middle class leadersin all political parties the should come forward and do something.Recommend
Although I am not the supporter of MQM,however this very call by the MQM chief is the desire of 60% pakistanis who are the silent majority.The present Govt has totally failed as it is being run like a fiefdom of one particular family with Corruption as its hallmark and nepotism the executive stamp.
The Nation will be better of if we have a DeGaule style governance then the sham democracy we have now.Recommend
As MQM always been a controversial political party because it has to attach with some other majority political party to show that they are part of political stream. Had this blistering attack wouldn’t have launched now and had it been 2 months or so later then may be Imran Khan or Qazi Sahib could asked the same thing. Please consider what Altaf Hussain is saying is true treatment for Pakistan. Some one must come forward and bulldoze this old age system and only army which is powerful than corrupt system can do it. Democracy is not for Pakistan. See the affected people of flood victims,,, they choose leaders for educated person.Recommend