The writer is Founder and Leader of the MQM
Pakistan came into being following a historic struggle of the Muslims of the subcontinent. Addressing the newly-found nation, the father of the nation, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, had said that “You may belong to any religion or caste or creed — that has nothing to do with the business of the State”. It is unfortunate that the ideals of the Quaid-e-Azam were quickly brushed aside soon after his death and a group of vested interests took control of power. This group brazenly used religion to perpetuate its hold on power.
The Afghan war pushed the country into the raging fire of war in the late 70s. The fire continues to burn with intensity even today as people of Pakistan across its length and breadth are falling prey. There are no visible signs that the country could be pulled off from this fire and put on the path of progress and prosperity. Extremism is beginning to stifle the spirit of Pakistan and the dreams of the founding fathers are turning into nightmares.
Thousands of lives have been lost in bomb blasts and suicide attacks. This includes officers and men of country’s armed forces and paramilitary forces as well as thousands of innocent civilians. Despite this, a recently held All Parties Conference (APC) gave the government the mandate to hold talks with these extremists and militants. The main spirit behind this mandate was to give peace a chance. The militants, however, continue to strike relentlessly. A serving major general of the army was martyred in an IED blast after the offer of dialogue to the Taliban. Militants spurned the offer by carrying out two suicide blasts in a church in Peshawar killing scores of people, including women and children. They have made it clear that they would continue to strike in future as well.
These recent acts of terrorism have provoked a huge wave of anger in the country and some quarters are demanding that the dialogue offer with the Taliban should be withdrawn forthwith. In response to this anger, some pro-Taliban parties are arguing that these recent attacks were carried out by some fringe groups and not the Taliban. They are also claiming that there are nearly 25 groups within the Taliban and some of them are still not in favour of talks, thus the possibility of their involvement. This argument throws the whole question of talks into deep complication: if the Taliban is not a unified body and lacks the ability to control other militant groups, would it be fruitful to talk to it? Should we talk to the Taliban or these fringe yet powerful groups or both?
There are some politicians in the country who maintain that the issue can be resolved by holding dialogues and some even suggest that the militants should be allowed to open an office for this purpose, thereby recognising them as a legitimate stakeholder.
This is a dangerous idea. A country has its own well-defined stakeholders: armed forces, the police, bureaucracy, economists, major political parties, ethnic and religious groups, etc. These stakeholders play positive and constructive roles in the process of nation-building, thereby strengthening the country. On the other hand, there are elements that work for weakening the country by engaging in destructive activities. It is these non-stakeholders who are commonly termed anti-state actors or anti-state elements.
Those who claim to be the most patriotic people in Pakistan but consider these non-state actors as the integral part of the state seek to legitimise what is patently illegitimate. We all want peace in the country and we all want to see the country emerging as a modern democracy among the international community. We all recognise the importance of holding dialogues for resolving issues but I would like to put a question to leaders, scholars and academicians. Dialogue but with whom?
Published in The Express Tribune, September 28th, 2013.
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COMMENTS (108)
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I really respect this visionary leader who become known from a middle-class population, and formed the most disciplined political movement in Pakistan. His write up is timely to encounter some fake political opinions and statements from politically immature individuals in Pakistan. Having said that, I will be really happy if Altaf Hussain highlights either his own or the party’s vision on how to cope up with the current threats of terrorism and terrorists to Pakistan’s stability. In continuation to this article if he elaborates how to? will provide a hope to the nation as well. I feel that Mr. Altaf Hussain’s vision should go to the masses and for that media must play its sincere role. This article is very important to understand that where these so called politicians want to drag Pakistan, which is absolutely a way of destruction.
@@H__3: May be there is no such thing as a PTI Troll, just your imagination. Maybe PTI supporters are rational people and appreciate what is right and correct regardless who says it???
After this if some one is asking more clarity for any dialogues than he really need to join mysterious PTI ....
Altaf Hussain has not written this. There is no singing, dancing or salam salaaam salaaaaam Salaaaam SALAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAM in it!
Altaf Bhai, really you are great, this is the voice of all Pakistanis.
who's the ghost writer?
Thank you Qaid-e-Tehrik Altaf Bhai on your valuable article, its a voice of all patriotic Pakistanis, dialogue with whom, with the terrorist group, with the enemy of our Army and our beloved country Pakistan ??????, Wake up Pakistanis wake up. .
Very true.
Pakistan saw 3,021 deaths in terrorist attacks in in 2009, up 48% on the year before, according to a new report by the Pakistan Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS), an Islamabad-based defence think tank. Researchers counted a total of 12,600 violent deaths across the country in 2009, 14 times more than in 2006. This week only there bomb blasts in Peshawer cost 200 people lives. Army major operation requires.
@JK: Yes they certainly have reason to do this so Lie down yourself and lay down your family too because they are justified in killing women and children.
nothing special in article a common question everybody is asking , not seems to be self written, Altaf bhabi what about karachi?
Dear Altaf Bhai,
Rest assured, not matter what your record is in Pakistan, there will always been your urdu-speaking legions of supporters who would stand by you, agree with you and praise you!
Absolutely wright.... i am agree with the leader of MQM dear Altaf Hussain Bhai, He is the Genious, Brave and Honest Leader of the Pakistan, their article about "dialogue,but with whom" is the voice of all Haqparast/Libral people of the Pakistan. Need answer by al who arel responsibles. (A Pakistani)
@sohail:
Yours is a dishonest statement!! Both the provincial and the central Government came to power on the slogan of peace and a dialogue with the dissident resistance!! Bhuttos and Zardaris had to leave! Are you one of Bhuttos?
Rex Minor
Accurate analysis from Altaf Hussain.. and laughter on those who saying that ET has blocked all negative comments then how come the comments u guys are posting against ET are getting approval? Show some brain.
if people of pakistan accept u and ur party which have history behind then what wrong with taliban u both r two sides of same coin
Mr. Hussain I have some questions in my mind to ask after observing current situation of MQM in Karachi as well as throughout the country, but Mr. Hussain i would like to ask one thing when Mr. Interior Minister announced targeted operation in Karachi and after giving full authority to rangers and intelligence agencies and raiding was occurring in different location in Karachi so many of different party workers arrested and many of them were arrested from different Cities of Pakistan as well, so what would you like to say about this ??
Not even a single person disagreed. Something fishy here. In today's world, how can someone be so absolute? Maybe ET is just scared to even publish disagreements here. This talks itself of the mafia they are running in karachi.
@Raj - USA: I am also facing the similar problem of blocking of my many light and least offensive comments by ET. However, it might be speculating to state that ET may have been forced to adopt these changes after an attack on its office about a month back. ET editor in chief had earlier shared its problems with its readers regarding the hate mails sent by the PTI supporters, but not this time which could have been detrimental to the safety and security of its staff. One thing I want to share is that I am a fan of the major establishment like KS who has also stopped or been asked to stop writing against it. Hope, ET will not block this comment.
I dont understand why the language of most of the comments looks similar as that of the article.
So basically ET won't publish my comments .. shame on you!
This article is written by the leader of the most intolerant party in Pakistan!
Very Well Written By Altaf Hussain.T.T.P are the Enemies Of PAKISTAN....
Very Well Written By Altaf Hussain..we can’t talk with anti states.we should not allow them to destroy PAKISTAN.T.T.P are the Enemies Of PAKISTAN....
One should consider that dialogue serves these purposes: a..Gives some respite to the stretched state machinery b..May divide the enemy Therefore, on the whole, dialogue may not be an absolute failure to weaken the enemy Altaf Hussain who speaks generally baseless has for the first time talked sense, but we must consider above mentioned points as well.
@Ammar: You say: "Its a pity that ET has blocked all the comments which were against AH…Shame on YOU ET!!!!!"
Would you believe ET blocked my comments too praising Altaf Hussein. My first comment was what I really felt. ET blocked it. I toned down my praises again, but ET still blocked it.
ET also removed my anti taliban comment from another section also though they published it initially and may recommended it too.
Well written by Altaf Hussain, representing true feelings of common people of Pakistan. Whether you like Mr. Hussain or not but this article is very realistic and thought provoking.
@Basit:
It's a well written article, no doubt, but the lack of dissenting opinions raises eyebrows.
Dialogue but with whom ???? those are question which every pro Pakistani should ask to those so called Leader of Pakistan,
I really adore this visionary leader who emerged from a middle-class population, and created the most disciplined political movement in Pakistan. His write up is timely to encounter some bogus political opinions and statements from politically immature individuals in Pakistan. Having said that, I will be really happy if Mr. Altaf Hussain highlights either his own or the party’s vision on how to cope up with the current threats of terrorism and terrorists to Pakistan’s stability. In continuation to this article if he elaborates how to? will provide a hope to the nation as well. I feel that Mr. Altaf Hussain’s vision should go to the masses and for that media must play its sincere role. This article is very important to understand that where these so called politicians want to drag Pakistan, which is absolutely a way of destruction.
Love u Bhai
Pakistan needs a leadership with vision. It's time that we start talking truth with no comprise, other wise there will be no room left for a civilized person to live in this country.
Did any other politician discuss the issue like this ?
The above comment board looks like one would see in response to Kim Jong IL...
A comprehensive artical solely based on logic ! Sleeping fellows must be awaken before a long sleep.....
Altaf bhai can't peace be given a chance through dialogue?? don't do they have reasons to attack our country which remained a strategic alley of US in this war? Didn't all those weapons coming through the port all the way to Peshawar and then to Afghanistan had killed more then those died here? Didn't we helped the Americans kill Muslims in Afghanistan and now we can't face their wrath..Aren't we responsible for all the mess in Afghanistan.
Concise but effective article.We as a nation always aspire to have peace,but giving a chance to peace should not be on the cost of further human life.
Sensible write up. Why does this guy who is exiled in UK seem to be the only Pakistani politician thinking long term?
Normally I wouldn't say this for any Politician from across the border, yet- Jiyo Altaf Bhai. I am yet to come across any article by a leading Pakistani Politicians putting the matter with such bluntness.
@Water Bottle:
Most politicians are very smart. But, the direction of their smartness is the issue.
Bhai u r the best.
@Asad K Shaikh: MQM has answered thousands of time.A very rotten question from you.
Spot on. At least Altaf Hussain has always had guts to stand against TTP. Openly.
Its a pity that ET has blocked all the comments which were against AH...Shame on YOU ET!!!!!
Very well written Mr. Altaf Hussain. I hope and wish that leaders of the other parties, start to think like you, and be as brave in expressing their opinions as you are. Kudos.
Isn't this guy a British national ? i'm amazed how people utter brave statements but afraid of coming back to their soil..!
I am very thankful to QET Mr Altaf Hussain bhai clearly explan in his artical. There is no room to talk TAlban or other militant group.
there is simple answer the god fathers of ttp are open secret the leaders who wants dialog only and only through them are the real heads of ttp. people must realize it put them behind bars
this Nation ought to be doomed after seeing praise for an anarchist i must say..!
good article now plz come back to KHI to solve the problems ASAP
Altaf Bhai studied at Karachi University, his English is better than many politicians.
Great article Altaf Bhai....now when are you coming to Pakistan ?
@ Altaf Hussain Excellent article. I am not sure if you are aware or not but you have a huge fan following in India also :)
This dialogue (if it ever happens; due to attitude of TTP), will be watched with interest in India also because any compromise from the side of state of Pakistan and giving any space to Taliban will be a bad omen for India.We have already experienced that during the Kandhar Hijacking (Indian Airlines)................ Though India knows how to defend itself but giving space to Taliban will lead to increased trouble not only for Pakistan but for India as well. Lets hope that if state of Pakistan finally goes for talk then it goes with a position of strength and not weakness .........
Article written by Altaf Hussain is actually a voice of all pakistanis, and Altaf hussain is very rite on his opinion that if taliban has no controle on various other groups so why should govt do dialogues with them.Majority of Pakistanis hate taliban as these terrorists have killed thousands of innocent pakistanis n foreigners as well.The pakistani people are against all those pro taliban politicians who scaredly asking for dialoguges with taliban.I appreciate Mr Altaf hussain who bravely has pointed out the truth.Talibans are a threat to the peace of entire world n if they are not given a lesson so most likely they would get full controle of pakistan n the peace would be a nightmare for rest of the world.
Not a supporter of MQM but Altaf bhai in this piece speaks sense and I totally agree with his general views on extremism. The only sane voice in all of Pakistan's political circle on extremism , and militancy
I welcome the comments from Mr. Hussain regarding a background of Pakistan and politics. The final question is whom should we dialogue with? Unfortunately, there is no face of TTP because there are many faces in Pakistan in religious and some politicale parties whom are advocate of TTP. Sad reality is that even these so call political parties will not be safe from enemy within. SOLUTION is to eradicate terrorist especially anyone offer to be friends of TTP.
Very well said by Mr. Altaf Hussain and an eye opener to our current leadership. Indeed terrorist is a terrorist and for sure there are no good or bad terrorist. As Pakistani my foremost concern is Peace but not without respect, integrity and our sovereignty. Talking to any faction of these thugs and terrorist not only negates but also violates our constitution as it clearly states to avoid and persecute any individual, group who hold private militia or undermine constitution and do not accept the sovereignty of Pakistan. We need to take lesson from our neighbors Sri Lanka and India in terms of tackling worst situations of dealing with separatist movements and terrorists.Let us all unite and as a nation take this shadow war to them and eliminate them once for all.God bless Pakistan.
Altaf hussain through this article has represented the thinking of masses of pakistanis, he is very rite in his views that dialogues with whome, because the majority of pakistanis condnms n hate taliban who killed thousands of innocent pakistanis n the foreigners as well....majoroty of pakistanis think that taliban are not only threat to pakistan but to the peace of whole world as well n we believe that pro taliban politicians of pakistan are also as equal threat as taliban.I appreciate ALTAF HUSSAIN who took this daring step to give a wake up call to peace loving people of pakistan n rest of the world.
This man maybe a very opportunistic politician, but he is smart.
look it who is talking and from where ?????
"Dialogue, with whom?" Very odd question. With Imran Khan of course.
Do we have choice front of infinity forces......
Regardless of you politically support there is no denying that Altaf Hussain makes a very strong and truthful point in this article. With countless Taliban factions, including infighting within the factions, how will we ever succeed at peace talks? It's a very unrealistic move, and even of some peace is achieved the next time they want something they will terrorize Pakistan again. It's like giving a baby a lollipop every time it cries. ET Print This.
always confused that Pakistan was formed as a muslim state but then Jinnah tried to portray that religion had nothing to do with the business of the state.
Pakistan's continues with its habit of giving conflicting / confused messages.
You have the choice to talk to non state actors or blow hot air baloons in the sky and talk to No one. Mr Nawa Sharif should resign since he was elected on the slogan of peace and a dialogue who resist foreign intrusion in their territory.
Rex Minor
Well Said.
Dialogue with Taliban is a fraud, a politics, a phantom, blackmail.
Altaaf Hussain , the first among the current crop of leaders who spoke for the minorities and he choose to be vocal about ahmedis , this is the arena where brave hearts also chicken out and lions most conveniently hide in their caves. I am so sad about our nation that they are not able to see the visionary beneath a not very appealing persona . He is the one who said if ever his party would be voted in power he would abolish the word minority , the most marginalised segment of our society ;Christians first time had their wing in political structure of MQM .He believes in equality among mankind and nation hood based on citizenship of Pakistan and not divisions on the ground of religion, cast and ethnicity .He has done his job now our nation needs to decide the direction they wish to adopt either liberal progressive , inclusive pluralistice society or our destiny is obscurantic , oppressive retardation into oblivion
Yet again my belief in ALTAAF HUSSAIN has reinforced that he is the only leader who has vision and can lead our country with an all inclusive approach out of the quagmire and he never shys away from expressing a clear stance on any issue . MQM needs to support the words of its great quaid by a physical expression , it is never before as imapritive to show the will of people either by a refrendum or million march in big cities , that we as a nation abhor extrimism and a we aspire a progressive and liberal society.Karachi as always should lead . How much more blood is needed to waken up the rest of the leadership.
very nice mr.altaf hussain is right..we can't talk with anti states.we should not allow them to destroy pakistan.taliban are the enemy of pakistan.we should fight them with full of power and destroy them...i like this article which is written by mr.altaf hussain
@Ali S: Thanks ali , for extending oppolgies for rude trolls , by the way bhai has said "ham khak nasheenou ke thokar pe zamana hai" he is not bothered.
A very well written piece from the Qaid of MQM. I am pleased to read your article on tribune. I believe this is the way forward for MQM. Intellectual discussions and debates are a much needed medium of spreading MQM's views. I would request you to continue writing and continue to maintain your stance on the issue of a dialogue. After all, there is no dialogue with terrorists.
Altaf Hussain has raised pertinent questions that with whom talks be held: the TTP or the fringe groups? Pro talks groups as PTI and PMLN must clear to the nation the points raised in the article. The fact is that APC of September 9 has no clear strategy for talks. The APC fate seems to meet like every year decisions of toothless OIC, which are never implemented.
Nice One Great Leader Altaf Hussain
Sir , thank you !!
Very well reasoned and explained analysis of the quandary Pakistan is mired in!
Very well written and thought proking article.. Dialogue is reflection of admitting their mindset and we cant make success in it.. Better to change our mind against them and support our Army..
Very well written and thought provoking.. Idea for dialogue with TTP has bee flopped for the last 10years.. Better we change our mindset against them..
Dialogue with who ? Thank you Mr Altaf ! No wonderful the govt even after almost a month of APC, not able to give a road map and initiate dialogue....
Thanks Alot Altaf bhai for writing, you're the first leader who showed concern over Talibanization. I believe Pakistan should be declared a secular state even Quaid-e-Azam wanted a Secular state with a majority of Muslims. We should respect other's religion as well. and let them practice their religion freely/openly like we muslim do :)
A proud Karachite
@Ali S: He is a leader and very well versed orator.
I really adore this visionary leader who emerged from a middle-class population, and created the most disciplined political movement in Pakistan. His write up is timely to encounter some bogus political opinions and statements from politically immature individuals in Pakistan. Having said that, I will be really happy if Mr. Altaf Hussain highlights either his own or the party's vision on how to cope up with the current threats of terrorism and terrorists to Pakistan's stability. In continuation to this article if he elaborates how to? will provide a hope to the nation as well. I feel that Mr. Altaf Hussain's vision should go to the masses and for that media must play its sincere role. This article is very important to understand that where these so called politicians want to drag Pakistan, which is absolutely a way of destruction. My Best
nice touch in the end, over all a great article
Article with a realistic approach. Now its duty of civil society to push the govt. So called liberals seems to be representing militant's agenda.
Yes very true we don't need to talk with these militant groups.
PTI trolls uncharacteristically quiet today. Even they didnt have an answer to very valid points raised by Altaf Bhai. Respect!
Mr Altaf Hussain has raised a pertinent question here. The Taliban have been killing innocent people of Pakistan without any mercy and it is strange that some politicians are always speaking for holding dialogues with them. The Taliban are not a legitimate stakeholder in the country. They are destroying the fabric of our society by trying to impose their particular philosophy on us by carrying out bomb blasts and suicide attacks.
Will we hold dialogues with those who are killing innocent people including women and children? Does our religion allow so much bloodshed?
Nice PR piece but who wrote it and should we buy it? Sorry we cannot as your actions speak louder than your PR words.
AOA, Very true about the situatuion going on and explained by Mr.Altaf.
Well written and I completely agree with the points made here. There is no room left for negotiations or talks with the Taliban or any fringe groups. They don't care for the integrity of Pakistan and we should put all our resources towards getting rid of them once and for all. It would be great if other political leaders and parties can quit point scoring and get behind Altaf Hussain and MQM on their consistent and strong stance towards the Taliban and extremism in the country.
Kudos to Altaf Hussain, who has guts to say 'right'. Afghan war in 70's pushed country into the destruction. I never heard this reality from anyone. We created this mess and now we're facing them.
A sixer by altaf bhai. Nobody has written with this clarity and depth on this topic. I hope our friends from pti see the light finally and realise the folly of the approach taken by IK.
Awaited troll attack. Loading.
We love you bhai, you live in our heart. We can die for you, you are the only true leader of Pakistan. I love you sooooo much
We are thankful to QET Mr. Altaf Hussain for taking the time to provide this valuable & sincerer opinion / advice to the people / Govt of Pakistan as well International Media on this hot issue.
Wonderfully & Clearly Articulated Artical ;) G.A Altaf Hussain Bhai Long Live MQM Long Live Pakistan
A Thought provoking Article by A thought Provoking Leader
Negotiations and peace pacts are not new terms for the Taliban, we have had many pacts nd all went to down south. Dialogue but with whom? No one knows, even the Taliban apologist leaders. Excellent and thoughts provoking piece.
Although, not an MQM Follower, but must state, Very Logical and Sensible. Constituion Must Be Placed First.
The country is passing through tough time, dialogue are necessary to solve crisis but the question of Mr. Hussain, of whom to do this dialogue to stop terrorists of TTP from attacking Pakistan's soil and people is valid. The Taliban portray themselves as defenders of Islam but are following practices that are totally against Islamic teachings. Attacking minorities, children and women is brutal, and forces should crush the elements behind them without any hesitation.
Thought Provoking Article by a Thought Provoking Leader
@Ali S: This visionary leader is insisting everyone to understand since last many years. No body is paying attention to him... See what is the current situation of this country.
Completely agree with the logic.
Well Written By Altaf Hussain, We are going to dialogue with whom the people who said that they dont`t believe in the consistution of Pakistan, they only wanted to force self-branded islam on the people by the guns, and past experince we did in swat, they started regrouping and tried to capture Islamabad - we have to think and fight with this cancer once and for all. there is no good or bad Terrorist. Terroist is terrorist
Welcome to ET, Altaf bhai and thank you for taking the time to provide us this valuable opinion of yours :) Sadly, not many people of my generation know that among your many talents, you're also capable of writing succinct editorial pieces on English-language newspapers. Excellent piece, you should write here more often. My sincere apologies in advance for the incoming onslaught of rude PTI trolls.
A Karachiite