In a statement issued by the MQM on Thursday, Hussain said he directed the Coordination Committee in Karachi and London to announce the public referendum before the country was embroiled in another mishap or natural disaster, adding that the international political scenario was changing at a rapid pace.
The referendum idea had sparked from a speech by Hussain on October 14, after the assassination attempt on Malala Yousafzai, where in he had called on Pakistanis to vote whether they wanted to live in a Pakistan run by the Taliban or the one that the Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah had envisioned.
Earlier on October 18, MQM had announced that it would hold a referendum after Eidul Azha.
Days after the speech, the question was also featured on billboards across Karachi.
Providing details on how the party should carry out the referendum, Hussain has asked the party to organise the referendum throughout the country on one day, between 9am and 5pm, designating separate teams in each province for this.
The counting of votes, he added, should be done in the presence of senior retired judges, lawyers or prominent citizens. He also directed that representatives of print and electronic media in each province should be invited to cover the referendum.
Hussain appealed to Pakistanis that since the country was going through a difficult time, they should perform their ‘national duty’ and vote without any fear or pressure.
The statement further added that the the public would be informed about the results of the referendum.
Further information about the referendum can be obtained at the MQM Headquarters, Nine Zero or the provincial or zonal offices in each province.
COMMENTS (22)
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It would indeed be very, very helpful for the Citizens of Pakistan (Awaam-un-Naas), if Altaf Bhai could first kindly explain and or elaborate on what exactly is 'Quaid-e-Azams's Pakistan for Muslims, as opposed to The Taliban's Islam for Muslims, and that whether The Constitution of The Islamic Republic of Pakistan is something that the honorable Mr. Muhammad Ali Jinnah would have most certainly disapproved of, especially the Preamble Part which states that:
"Whereas sovereignty over the entire Universe belongs to Almighty Allah alone, and the authority to be exercised by the people of Pakistan within the limits prescribed by Him is a sacred trust; And whereas it is the will of the people of Pakistan to establish an order :- Wherein the State shall exercise its powers and authority through the chosen representatives of the people; Wherein the principles of democracy, freedom, equality, tolerance and social justice, as enunciated by Islam, shall be fully observed; Wherein the Muslims shall be enabled to order their lives in the individual and collective spheres in accordance with the teachings and requirements of Islam as set out in the Holy Quran and Sunnah";
My understanding is that a Constitution of a Country can be either 'Islamic', or 'Secular' so what would Altaf Bhai really prefer for Pakistan...?
@Abdul Rehman Yes, and boy.. has he been proven right or what? truth hurts
@Abdul Rehman: You are right he is a very sensible leader in Pakistan. Two Nation theory was the biggest blunder of the century. It proved doubtlessly when Bangladesh was liberated after 25 years of Pakistan's birth
Muslim's Pakistan where every one (including non muslims) live according to the ways Shown by Prophet Mohammad SAW with peace and harmony with one another.
We want Pakistan where every thing should be done according to Allah's commandment's and Mohammad SAW ways.
Jinnahs Pakistan is not altaf's Pakistan.
I see people who just didn't like the idea which came from Altaf Hussain...I see Pakistan is divided on this issue reason being that more 60% people are controlled by shrewd, corrupt politicians/religious leaders who never want Pakistanis to get free education, free health and modern Pakistan and they are working in this agenda. If Pakistanis are liberalized now where will the 2% or 30 family go who are ruling class irrespective of any government. For them GOVERNMENT MAY COME AND GOVERNMENT MAY GO BUT THEIR CONTROL WILL REMAIN FOREVER.....A country where only 45% of registered voter decides country's leadership. What about 55%. SO PLEASE COME FOR VOTING OR FOR REFERENDUM. CHANGE YOUR FATE BY YOUR SELF...ATLEAST I REQUEST ALL PAKISTANIS TO GO FOR VOTING IN NEXT ELECTION TO CHANGE YOUR FATE..
I sure don't want Altaf Hussain's Pakistan.
Isn’t it already Pakistan a Taliban state? We may not accept it but the mindset of majority is changed into regressive mentality, bigoted, intolerant and mob rule. Even so called intelligentsia is apologist because it is happening on the name of religion. Unfortunately, religious hysteria has taken over the moral, ethical and social teachings of Islam, the true teachings of Holy Quran and Holy Prophet Mohammad (SAW). It is sin to be pessimistic but all signs are showing that it is already late now. I do agree that Altaf Hussain is one of few politicians who understood the problem long time ago but his influence is only in Karachi and Hyderabad. Some people are looking at Imran Khan as a savior but I doubt he could fix the root cause of the intolerant mindset because he is always apologetic, vague or hypocrite on Talabaan issue. He does not have nerve to take a just stand against religious establishment.
Yes, Jinnah's Pakistan... Now is the time to show that we Pakistanis are still believe in its founders ideology and not on ideology of those who were opposing it. Appreciate MQM for its bold stand.
We want Jinnah's Pakistan where girls can get education without any fear, where all citizens have equal rights and we need to rebuild Pakistan in Light of Quaid e Azam's last speech.
Yessss Altaf Hussain Bhai We Want Only Jinnah's Pakistan
...sounds like a good idea, might serve as an icebreaker specially for those who are mislead into a state of confused denial...
...sounds like a good idea, might serve as an icebreaker specially for a those who are mislead into a state of confused denial...
@Abdul Rehman:
and he is right!
Abdur Rehman: If you do not have enough intelligence to understand Altaf Bhais remarks, don't try.
why is he wasting out time?
Good Idea but don't know how MQM will manage this? Anyways one thing I must know that this is Jinnah's Pakistan and nothing else our forefathers had great sacrifices for Pakistan, unfortunately people are confused with religion & politics due to Zia's political Islam & Saudi Riyal.
If in Jinnah's Pakistan 2500 people die in Karachi every year .. Then lets try Taliban
Aint he the same guy who once said 'Division of sub-continent was the greatest mistake in the history of mankind.'