Crisis resolution: Farooq Sattar calls for political unity

Sattar says Pakistan is still known for many problems while its neighbours are earning recognition for development.

SUKKUR:

“We must bring an end to family politics and get rid of the jagirdars and waderas,” said Muttahida Qaumi Movement’s (MQM) Deputy Convener Dr Farooq Sattar at a dinner hosted by Sukkur’s small traders on Saturday night.

Sattar said that while Pakistan is still known for load-shedding, corruption, inflation, unemployment, extreme poverty and lawlessness, its neighbours are earning recognition for development. Citing China, India Bangladesh, Japan and Korea as examples of third-world countries that have progressed significantly, he maintained that only sincere and dedicated leadership can rescue the country from its current crisis.

“Pakistan cannot bear polarisation between institutions,” he added, calling for a peaceful revolution and unity between political parties. He pushed for a working relationship between the political parties and a consensus over the national agenda and for a continuity of dialogue among them. Sattar said that the MQM was the only party in the coalition that had opposed the hike in petrol prices. He blamed the lack of an able leadership for the country’s problems, but praised the small traders’ contribution to the economy. “We need to develop our industry and should encourage establishing small industries in homes,” he said. Sattar was accompanied by Rabita committee member Ashfaq Mangi, provincial minister Zubair Ahmed Khan and others.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 14^th, 2011.