MQM chief Altaf Hussain, in his hour-long address to women and children who had flocked to the Mazar-i-Quaid grounds for the rally, paid a verbose tribute to the women in attendance. “Through this historical public gathering, we have sent out a message to our political opponents that only our women are strong enough to compete with them,” he said.
Altaf claimed that no other political party had managed to organise such a huge event even when men and women were in attendance. “Over one million women of Pakistan are in attendance in this rally.”
The MQM, he said, has the honour of being the first party to include women in its political movement. “We organised a similar rally on July 16, 1988. When, in 1987, I was in jail and most party leaders were forced into hiding, it was the party’s women who stepped up and brought MQM victory in the general elections that year.”
In 1992-93, he said, the women were left to take over the party’s affairs when thousands of male workers were arrested and taken into state torture cells. “They [the women] opened Nine Zero, they buried the bodies of their kin,” he said, also paying tribute to the mothers who had given birth to sons who sacrificed their lives for the MQM’s cause.
Moving on to address women who were campaigning for Baloch missing persons, Altaf claimed that 28 MQM members were still missing from the 1992-93 army operation against the party. “We empathise with you. We feel your pain,” he told them.
Altaf also thanked women from the Bengali community who he said were present in huge numbers at the rally.
Violence against women
Altaf’s speech touched all the right notes. He mentioned honour killing, Karo Kari, acid crimes and domestic violence and even brought up topics like dowry and gender discrimination which are considered the social norm.
“The perpetrators of Karo Kari and acid crime should be hanged,” Hussain said passionately to women who listened with rapt attention. “Women in Pakistan are subjected to treatment meted out to second- or third-class citizens. Worse yet, they are treated like animals. Crimes like honour killing, wani and marriage to the Quran are rampant under the veil of tradition.”
The MQM, he said, wanted to create a Pakistan which was free from discrimination against women and where women had the freedom to make their own decisions. “We support not only strong legislation [for women’s rights] but also proper implementation of it. The MQM has raised its voice on every parliamentary forum like no other political party has. We want women to have the status in society that they truly deserve.”
As evidence of MQM’s commitment to protecting women from violence, he mentioned the cases of Shaista Almani, whose family was hunting to kill her for marrying of her own will, and Dr Shazia, who survived rape at the hands of doctors at Karachi’s Jinnah Hospital. “MQM protected Shaista Almani and Dr Shazia and ensured that they and their husbands are safely sent abroad.”
Balochistan issue
Dedicating a portion of his speech to the burning Balochistan issue, Altaf said that due to wrong policies and use of force to stifle voices for Baloch rights, the province is now standing at the point of secession from Pakistan. “We are still not willing to accept that robbing people of their rights intensifies feelings of depravation in people which can then not be solved through mere assurances.”
He said he had continuously raised his voice against the situation in Balochistan, the operation in the province and the enforced disappearances.
“Baloch people have lost confidence in Pakistani leaders. We will now have to take brave decisions and give them all their justified rights,” Altaf said, adding that a roundtable conference will have little impact on solving the problem.
COMMENTS (117)
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@Ahsan Mlk: This comment is imaginary and rubbish. Seems the guy is jealous and most comments are based on hatred and jealousy. This is bad.
did any one of these cheering ladies think of afiya siddiqui in jail in america
@Ayy: Further more cars are snatched in Lahore than in Karachi! The entire Punjab government is involved. There is an entire report available on it. Please do look it up! I lived in khi for 7 years. I never lost my phone. I got mugged on my way back from a wedding here in lahore! That does not mean Lahore is an ugly place, it only means... I was unlucky.
We all should applaud this effort by MQM to bring women from all walks of life!!! Despite everyone’s view of positive or negative but as Pakistani I think MQM once again proved to be the best visionary force in Pakistan…
I watch the full coverage of this public meeting on TV. I think this is unique and very good women gathering and everyone was cheerfull. I agree with this news that this is largest women gathering in the political history of world.
@Frank Observer: "May Allah protect this country and educate its people." Actually his followers are amongst the most educated communities this country has to offer, and with most of them being the salaried class, are also amongst the most honest taxpayers, while the tax collected from MQM's constituencies contribute around 60% to the nation's revenues. Hence your prayer is better targeted towards followers of ALL other parties (including PPP, PMLs, ANP and PTI) whose ranks are swelled with feudals and/or tax evaders!
@MUNIB: And u think all the other citizens of Pakistan live in heaven.
@MUNIB: Do u live in Karachi?
How can you inject the passion in people, did you really see the passion of crowd? Even BBC and VOA reported about the zeal and cheerfulness of the crowd.
It was good show by MQM. good work. keep it up!
@hina you can use mqm.org
Haters gonna hate but you cant change a thing. Even Karachi's women can kick your behinds. Jeay Mutahidda!
To All the MQM Haters,
Please hold your cries because you will need it in future to. I know its really hard to digest the success of MQM, you guys are shocked and it will take some days to come out of it my sympathies are with you. Couple of months ago you guys were claiming high that PTI has swept MQM from Karachi but after watching MQMs Convention (only for women) you guys are clueless to what to say therefore you guys are giving rubbish "illogical' comments here to satisfy your ego. I wish you guys come out of MQM phobia as soon as possible.
Regards, MQM Lover
Although a critical opponent of MQM and its dirty street politics, I must recognize the fact that Altaf Hussain and MQM should be applauded for carrying out such a daring move. The Naysayers will keep on criticizing assuming the politicians of their choice are the only Messiahs worthy of acclaiming praise regardless of their inaction. The article above highlights something really important: the issues highlighted in the rally were ones unheard of in other rallies where the usual chest-thumping rhetoric and 'blame it on the foreigners' techniques are applied rather than introspection. Without introspection one can not aim to rid our society of the various evils within it. Furthermore, the comments over here have a certain tone of ignorance within them and many seem to be from people who seem to have no idea about the metropolis in general. As one enlightened soul highlighted here that the building of infrastructure isn't necessary, it seems either people have no idea about fundamental economics of development or they are simply ignorant. Also please check your facts as during the Mustufa Kamal's reign there were many schools and educational institutions developed or built.
Come on face the Reality ......
kidnapping,Target killing,street crime....yaha tak ke agar koi GF ke chakar mai murder ho jai to bhi mqm responsible...lol....
Why not mqm...Educated,Belong to lower middle class n middle class...n plz have a review on their ministries performance....
har party ka koi na koi fake degree wala zaroor mile ga ...but not in MQM...
We r proud to be Karachiet...n continue to support MQM..
Not only one of the biggest rally ever held in Pakistan but also most organised and well disciplined and the way women folk has responded to call of MQM clearly shows that the women are more than ready to play their active role in the national politics and now it is upto the mainstream parties to bring them forward and create opportunities for them to contribute more in the development of the country and once again credit goes to MQM for taking this initiative
The one thing I hate about people is that they can't watch Pakistan prospering. It's all about supporting a leadership. Mustafa Kamal changed Karachi and people come out against him saying that whatever he did wasn't original but the ideas of the previous mayor. MQM has done a lot for this country. As for all the other accusations being levied against them, look, every party has an extremist group. PML-N does, PPP does, PTI does among others. You can't just target one party.
When MQM organises a very successful event, people come out against them saying MQM wasn't the reason these people went there but because they were ordered to go there, and when PTI or PPP does the same thing, they're not targeted by these people. Double standards, eh?
Try to appreciate when something good happens, something beneficiary for Pakistan.
this is hillarius!! MQM had critisized alot at the PTI's jalsa for filling it with fun and songs, and putting entertainment in it! Now they are themselves trying to copy all of the PTI's theme! =p
Can anyone recommend a book on the history of MQM? or any websites that are factual?
After going through all the biased and "mai na manoon"kinda comments from ...errr should i say , the PTIers , there do exist people from different strata of this society who are appreciating the move by MQM.That is real point here !!! Some people find it rather difficult to digest the fact that MQM's grass root level support is extra ordinarily strong . Whether you like it or otherwise . Viva la MQM .
Very good point Omer farooq. Karachi is a vast city and people from all over the country come here for the search of work. We love karachi and pakistan. even an educated and well versed person like from india Vasanth pal had noticed the bias towards a community. Shame on Us for being so prejudiced. i am not MQM or a member of any other party but I see things with open eyes and mind. Mind u and ur biased attitude towards a community and a party. Thank you
Altaf hussain is popular in India. He can see the things which other pakistani leaders can not. He consider two nation theory a mistake, which any outsider can clearly see. moreover when others(panjabi politiians) are busy in making money he is giving equal voices and rights to women.
He is a great and visionary leader. pakistan needs such leaders and he should be the PM of pakistan.
The women really Needed a BREAK . Thanks you MQM
Rallies are good. Now translate it into pro-women politics as well.
Dear All MQM is the best party in Pakistan. What ever they say they do. MQM done the remarkable event in the history of the politics. I and my family like them support them all the way no matter what. Love you all
I think it is quite positive from MQM and we all should appreciate this effort ...and good see all is having a good time which is needed after all these problems going around.
Good job Pakistani women!! :)
Mqm proved that still not only in karachi even in pakistan they can gather thousand and thousand mens or womens or both of them any time because peoples love to their QUAID Altaf Hussain
Haters dont hate , wait what MQM will bring more in future to burn your ignorenet and biased bloood in future.
Today's women rally was to give message to across the country that women in urban sindh are powerful and righteous to think for their selves and their future. Change the hate culture against women of Pakistan, stop blowing up their schools, stop throwing acids on their faces, stop burrying them alive, stop raping them, stop marching them naked in your villages and towns
What a Fabulous Rally !! awesome show of strength .. !!Well Done MQM !
Smart move by MQM - thinking outside the box.
Simply MQM is trend setter and Challenge for all political parties
Finally someone stands up for the issues and power of women. Great to see this positive approach. Much better than the rally we had last week
Well done MQM, salute to all the women workers and sathi's for bringing such a nice massive rally in current political situation.
MQM and its workers and above all Altaf hussain has made it clear that they think out of the box , their policies and their politics are not traditional politics they are aware of the problems and challenges and they hold the key of success and way to guide the people of Pakistan towards a better , secure and successful future
GA MQM GA ALTAF GA Pakistan & People
A million muslim women leaving there homes with children to listen to a person like Altaf "BHAI" (on telephone) in a place like Karachi, is a real sign of intellectual bankruptcy of a nation. If it is fear or force, that is even worse. We can only pray for Pakistan.
It was a great show. Mutahida is the only party having gross rout following. They are really leading the nation in a right direction. Zindabad MQM.
@bhai: agree with you
this is kinda of jalsa is a gr8 success for all .. neva saw so many families taking part this way
Anyways , Who was the sponsor of the event ? This all stuff need Finance where did that come from ? :S
i am not mqm supporter nor i belong to karachi even then i appreciate altaf hussain's political moves.one should admit the great support for MQM among the common people.
Congratulations to MQM for having the biggest women's jalsa! We really needed something positive to get our minds off all the negativity in our country. I am going to vote for MQM. They can make the impossible possible. Its a Dabangg Party! Salute!
Kuch tho log kahain gay. Logoon ka kaam hai kehna. Seriously? You guys are actually estimating how much was spent on it? Count the number of women that showed up not how much was spent. Pakistan is not progressing because of people like u who never raise a voice against injustice but when some healthy activity is carried out u start critisizing.
I thought Imran Khan had a female following. But MQM brought a tsunami of women! I was astonished and fascinated by the number of women on my television screen.
wish they had done a jalsa for Baluchistan or against corruption etc etc etc
An estimated amount of Rs.400 million or 40 crore was spent on the preparation of this gathering. It would have been better of this amount was utilised for the benefit of women, instead of wasting it on a gathering to show off the international world how liberal MQM is.
What's the matter with you folks? MQM did something positive and the leader identified some core issues like domestic violence, dowry, & women being unable to vote. Great job MQM! I feel sorry for the negative people with their cynical comments.
At least, women enjoyed there, no matter what the intention behind the jalsa was. It must have been for election campaign. However, I am happy to see woman outta four walls and enjoying in such a large number. A positive sign!
Almas Jiwani from the United Nations the head of Women's Committee covered the event & said it was the biggest women's jalsa ever held. She tweeted about it too. MQM deserves credit for it. Congratulations. Haters, deal with it!
@Gul Bhojani: Very rightly said. All the negative talk in the responses is just another example of the level of prejudice that Muttahida has had to face during its existence. Yet, its has survived and is continuing to grow. The organization, unity, and discipline in the rally was highly commendable, with all credit to the party, organizers and audience. Excellent work and Congratulations MQM!
Is Altaf Hussain is such a patriotic man why doesnt he come back to Pakistan. My son is 20 and going to University, Altaf hussain left before he was born.
Why every one is so jealous...accept it guys come on. No one come to my house and showed gun to my family members so that they can participate. You can't bring million people with guns. Their jalsas are always well organized, their workers control everything, from traffic to ground. Just imagine if these guys can manage such huge crowd, can't they manage whole pakistan? Of course they can. No awami leader is so down to earth that they go to masses and start dancing with them. They have changed the assembly culture by bringing middle class into assembly. They earned their name by struggling for the last 20 years. They didn't inherit it from their fore-fathers like other feudal.
I am NOT disappointed by the Jalso, the speeches, the festivity and all that. What I am disappointed is complete lack of balance in most of the responses. Such gatherings dont occur as a result of FEAR or FORCE. Karachi which is full of bad news on all channels and papers, this was a pleasant breeze bringing hope and smile. My full compliment to the organizers for such an orderly gathering with not even ONE chair was stolen
Yes, women should be empowered. They are almost 50% of our population. A very good show by MQM and a strong message to our men dominated and narrow minded society. Our country can only move forward if these ladies are given equal rights in jobs and secure them from the twisting eyes of our indoctrinated people.
good
A very good move by MQM .. i dont know why? people always think negative about MQM
Congratulations for taking ladies in mainstream its any way an aroma of fresh air in a suffocated state. Thanks altaf bahi
Great start. MQM Zindabad
THIS IS GOOD, THIS IS HEALTHY.
You can disagree with the politics of MQM, PPP, PML, PTI, JI But you have to agree that political discourse without violence is a GOOD thing.
Now, it is up to us -- the ordinary citizen, to learn about each candidate... their qualifications, not ethnicity, religion, gender, dynasty etc., or even political affiliation. Sure there are bad politicians but they are in every party. There are also a LOT of good people (in every party).
Study each candidate and vote.
Pakistan is at stake.
Introspection and catharsis are must. How much percentage of girls and boys got education in 1988 and how much now? Does every Mohalla or block of flats enjoys facility of free clinic? What of real employment? Flyovers etc do not ensure health, do not educate and do not guarantee employment? Please wake up. I do not say you are worse but not better than others.
MQM's women, enough to make massive crowd than PTI's general crowd :D Unbelievable..
WOW, congratulations to MQM and Altaf Hussain for organizing such a gargantuan women's rally. I have never seen a mass mobilization of WOMEN in my entire life. Looks like the MQM is setting the stage for the formation of the next government of Pakistan....possibly Mustafa Kamal as the next Prime Minister?
@Syed Owais: Facts remain facts and one should always acknowledge them. What ever you said it is just a small thing. In fact this is an urban political party which exists really at gross root level. Power sharing with all segments of the society has also been ensured only by this party. Religious, ethnic toleration is also very high with this party. Its leader has the courage also to speak truth. Black sheep's exist every where. May be few are in this party also. Allegations of using torture tactics for the opponents is always levied against the party. With the passage of time it also seems to be evaporating. Might be cooperation with PTI can bring a very positive change provided people of Pakistan understand it.
Such a big rally for women in Karachi by MQM Congrats
I congratulate MQM for organising such a big rally for women in Karachi.
Well said Mr Altaf. “Baloch people have lost confidence in Pakistani leaders. We will now have to take brave decisions and give them all their justified rights,” adding that a roundtable conference will have little impact on solving the problem. If you could have defined what did you mean by bold decisions it would have made you real brave man. Those blamed behind the sepeation movement demand that talk is possible only if military and agencies go back to barracks. Do you consider yourself bold enough to push forward this demand?
This is another shameful thing as pakistani that our political parties got woman out from their homes, ad they dance togethre on indian songs, shame, shame, shame
A good message but coming from the wrong quarters. It is a start, at the very least.
Sub set hai bhai, relax. Its great and people are happy. Don't be cry babies everytime. Human being can never be satisfied.
I thought regionalism was rampant in India only. The comments above show a clear bias towards Mohajirs in Pakistan. Which is sad
Everyone dancing off to Sindhi folk singer is a great sight.
This is very commendable, holding a woman's rally.
I congratulate Altaf bhai for such open minded thinking.
Some people just can't appreciate anything positive in this country. Just because of their biasness towards MQM they are trying to make a mockery of this historic women rally. MQM and Altaf Hussain has proved time and again that no matter what you do to malign MQM people still love them and still support them. Todays rally is a prime example which only had women, just imagine if men were there as well. I salute MQM for organizing such a mammoth rally in favor of womwn of Pakistan! All Jageerdars, Waderas must be rolling on hot coals seeing this as they are the ones who treat women like animals. High time for all Pakistanis to give freedom to women and stop all nonesense against them!
@AYY ya right, mobile snatching and kidnapping is only in khi.
@Ayy: Truly well said Ayy.
@Agha: Actually it seems so contrived. It is sad to see people who are supposed to be educated behave like lemmings . . . but I guess fear is all pervasive . . . and I know . . . I have seen it from up close.
It better for Imran Khan, should go for an alliance with MQM for bigger political gain and service to people of Pakistan in future because MQM has a lot in build discipline which all other parties lacking very badly.
“A city which belongs to just one man is no true city” ― Sophocles, Antigone
I congratulate MQM for organising such a big rally for women in Karachi.
Muttahida sets another record. Encouraging women to contribute in the society.
Oh...PTI' is present on Sunday as well..... Say whatever you say Guys, MQM is a party of Grass root people. they have done miracles in the past and they'll keep on doing in future as well. Jiya Pakistan
Really impressive that shows unity of families. all the fake leaders who depend on money, coercion, tribalism, social and economic slaves should know where the real strength lies. no doubt a record women political gathering in the world that can be a Guinness world record.
@khan: well said Mr. khan, your point is very true, because I in my career have seen that many Positions are given to those who belong to MQM. Second They May Have changed their party name but the are always ethnic party (MUHAJIR QAUMI MOVEMENT) INSIDE.
and if as MQM claims too be a national party and not an ethnic party why are majority of their MPA and MNA and rabta committee all muhajirs?
Diffa e pakistan molvis should also arrange rally of their own women wing to show comrade-ship with MQM girls
lugta ha comment kernay walay saray hi rotoo hain........lol
why aren't there more women MNA's from MQM? for women empowerment to be there the mqm leadership should ensure that they give tickets on 50% of their constituencies in elections to women.
Anything is possible under GUN in KHI , the land of lawlessness
Part of election campaign
All those girls who don't have matching dopattas for their clothes will attend. And ofcourse free Henna as well.. so why not!!
But always remember, listening to Altaf Hussain needs extra skills..which atleast i dont have!!
Free food. Free Mehndi. A circus too (Ive seen a joker on site)
Pink chairs? colourblind? You must be kidding me...
A good fair for women.