Taliban are inhumane, illiterate, stone-age people: Altaf Hussain
Hussain was addressing the participants of a conference held in honour of Malala Yousafzai.
The 14-year-old child rights activists was attacked by Taliban gunmen on October 9 when she was on her way home from school.
Hussain said that if the armed forces fail to apprehend these culprits, then the nation will be left with no other option but to look towards the international community for the safety of their children.
“May I ask where are Pakistan’s armed forces, and its high-ranking personnel who utilise up to 80% of the country’s resources?” the MQM chief questioned.
He further questioned the role of the political and religious parties. “Why are they quiet, why don’t they fight against the Taliban?” he stressed.
“See their wealth, their property; see how much they have gained through politics. Unfortunately, they are not fulfilling their national obligations and responsibilities,” he said.
Female education and Islam
Calling Malala a beacon of hope for millions of girls in Pakistan, Hussain asked if acquiring education was a crime.
He further said that the Taliban’s stance on female education was against the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Hussain added that there are very few religious scholars who preach the correct version of the religion, while the rest are all “religious thugs” whose agenda is to “sell Islam”.
“I am humbly requesting all the genuine religious leaders and scholars to speak up now. It is your duty. If you remain silent then you are similar to the terrorists,” he said.
Speaking about the injustices taking place in the country, the MQM chief said that his party has always condemned oppression regardless of the consequences - be it the attack on Malala, the blasphemy case against Rimsha Masih or attacks on churches and temples.
“MQM was, is and will always remain against drone attacks,” he added.
Suo motu
The MQM chief called on Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry to take suo motu notice of the brazen attack on Malala.
“We don’t want a favour, we want justice,” he said.
Movement to mobilise people
While speaking to the gathering, MQM Deputy Convener Dr Farooq Sattar said the event is the first step in a movement to mobilise people against extremism and militancy.
He stated that Quaid-e-Azam's Pakistan is engulfing into the darkness and everyone needs to unite in order to save it.
Commenting on the attack on Malala, Sattar said that it was an attack on Jinnah’s Pakistan, Allama Iqbal's vision and the ideology of the country. “The attack on Malala was an attack on Pakistan's conscience,” he stressed.
He further said that a handful of militants wanted to enforce their way of life on the people of Pakistan.
COMMENTS (96)
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Well done, only you are a great leader in the country who is against Taliban, Qaida. May God bless u.
@Pakistani: Fake excuse. When one don't have the answer; you says this weak argument.
Correctly said. All the way from london. IK is a coward for not directly condemning TTP. But ALtaf. Bhai. One brave leader by making brave statements all the way from London. Whose the coward now.
Correctly said. But all the way from london.
@Adeel: Altaf can only make speeches from 6000 miles away.
Any one can say anything while in protection of British Govt.
@Hairaan: Because Karachi is mini Pakistan and Altaf Hussain is the only leader of Karachi my friend I think that would answer your question And Well done Altaf Hussain on this carageous and daring statement may God be with you and Pakistan
By the sad incident that led Malala to the hopsital, Pakistan people can better see how terrible are the Taliban and why they should be discouraged in Pakistan as well as Afghanistan. If Pakistan people do not rise up now to put down such injustice, they will have to face a terror filled future that the Afghans have had to face for for the last 20 years. If bullies are allowed to dominate in society, fear will be the ruler and justice will disappear.
MQM's stance has over ruled the other parties and leaders over the Malala incident. The rest remain totally exposed!
I could have, at a time, said some bad things about this guy. But, his recent statements are enough to set that aside. After all, I can't think of a single politician that is 100% praise worthy. To even become a higher ranking politician it usually takes some less than proud steps and you can only hope your future action is better than your past to drown it out. I guess what I'm saying is they're all crappy and whichever one can mask the smell the most wins. He's not smelling too bad. I just hope he's planning a return to Pakistan because really, as much as his statements are nice to see, his absence is a valid factor. Just like internet trolls, if you have the distance, you'll say almost anything. If he returns though, then he's definitely a man to be voted for. @dalwala: I really wouldn't consider a suicide bomber a "smart" bomb. It takes a whole lot of dumb to be convinced into being more than willing to blow yourself up. I imagine them running around in circles until they blow up if someone doesn't point them in the right direction and put the rest of their effort into praying he doesn't trip.
@Khurram Malik: We must go on the face value of what someone is saying not by our preconceived notions and prejudices. We have to be honest in judging people.
I 100% endroses the views of Altaf Hussain, MQM is the only party who is very clear about religious terrorism. It is true that religious parties leadre become millionare only because of Afghan war, they persuade the innocent people for Jihad and their children taking the education of privilaged class and never heard that anyone killed in the battle with few exception those have been very rightly killed in drone attack.
The man talks more sense than Imran Khan!
Where are our self declared nationalist intelluctuals
@MAD:
Well if he does a deal with Taliban or he decides to shut up like every other leader then he too can stay in pakistan and pay the silent lip service.
If staying in UK gives him freedom to say fearlessly then why not? At least some one is speaking the truth. Others have made a deal with the evil for the power.
Although I am not a huge fan of MQM, but their very clear stance on extremism is something i respect. Imran Khan and his successive use of strawman defense is turning out to be huge liability for him. Day after day he is sounding more like Zaid Hamid rather than a future leader who has some understanding of Geopolitics. If even after this attack political parties dont see that the real threat to our way of life comes from within than I guess we are doomed. IK im sorry, You have lost my vote.
@ayesha: I hope, at least, he is not looting the country.. that's the good thing.. And, he is most clear and straightforward in responding to/pointing out the problems as well as presenting his opinion..
@IOWNMQM:
Typical MQM style. Make people scared of someone and then ask them to vote for MQM. First it was Punjabis vs Mohajirs, then Pathans vs Mohajirs and now Talibans vs Mohajirs.
Despite all his flaws, all the problems in MQM. Altaf and his party must be admired for being outright, fearless secularists.
@Naeem:
I wish our people realize that MQM can provide us with the leadership that will never be in Pakistan regardless of the conditions people are living in Pakistan". They only want to be in the government and control karachi so that their leadership can live on the extortion money.
Quaid-e-Tehreek Altaf Hussain is the only leader in Pakistan, who stand firm against terrorism in the country.
The clear policy against Terrorism and no douth who is terrorist and who is not.
Hatts off to MQM and Altaf Hussain bhai
Think about your own daughters what will happend to them will the thinking of taliban comes in power.
Empowered Women Empowered Pakistan.
@Vishnu Dutta: in Pakistan?
Why doesn't he speak about Karachi.
@Vishnu Dutta:
He is not IN PAKISTAN since decades. Wake up man.
**Its not Jinnahs Pakistan anymore. If Jinnah was to return to Pakistan and see for himself what these Mullahs and corrupt Politicians have done to his country he acquired with so much of hope and expectations ..... He would get a shock of his liftetime and would wish he had never taken any initiative to make a country in the name of Islam where its rulers are nothing but hypocrites in the hands of Mullahs and corruption is getting from bad to worse day by day.....its a country which claim to propagate Islamic values and teachings by word of mouth but unfortunately there is not an iota of Islamic principals and teachings in practice ....no wonder its attracting Allahs wrath on them.
The only Pakistani leader without any question who has spoken to boldly and clearly on the issue and against Taliban , lets rise above our political and personal bias and support his call against the extremists for a Taliban and extremism free Pakistan!
@Vishnu Dutta: He is so fearless that he is afraid to come back to Pakistan. Yup, very fearless.
Say what you want about the MQM. I'm a Mohajir and I'm not a fan of their tactics but they're the only major party that is unflinching in its condemnation of these subhuman extremists and big credits to them for that. It's also funny how he says that "help from the international community" might be required to deal with this problem if the military fails and then in the same speech he says that he's against drone attacks - what's the difference?
@Vishnu Dutta:
Fearless, sitting in London. The same person whose party has turned Pakistan into a war zone. I do not understand how you associate both words fearless and leader with Altaf.
@Zohaib:
How come he is leader of Pakistan?
Yes off course Altaf, this is what we expected form you. How much USAID have you got to give this bayan, can you spend some in building girl schools in Mingora in the name of Malala
Ok agreed. Now talk something else please. BTW all elements who kill innocent people are inhumane including target killers of ethnic and political parties.
Agreed with Altaf Bhai's statement. Thanks
Never thought I'd say this but by far the most courageous man!! Impressed! As much as I love Imran Khan, he seriously needs some inspiration from AH.
@Vishnu Dutta:
ofcourse, fearless. hence in london.
come back...we need you to lead the fight against taliban...General Altaf Hussain from London!
@Haider: So what if he is sitting in LDN? Does anyone in his party disown him or his statement? Don't they go to elections saying Altaf is our leader? Agreed, talks are cheap but that applies to you too. Try manage an offshore team of few people let alone a party and let me know how it goes. What's the point in talking to Taliban? What do you want to talk about? Don't we know what they stand for? You can't beat something with nothing. MQM and Ataf is making it clear what they stand for. Don't you think it's high time others and Pakistan make it clear what they stand for and defend them?
First of all it's a failure of Pakistani State to educate all its citizens, so this kind of incident never happen. We people of Pakistan should ask a question to our political parties: why is State not providing quality education to all its citizen?
Second, this unfortunate incident presented us an opportunity to demand our political parties to work together for a democratic and prosperous Pakistan. A Pakistan that was envisioned by Jinnah. Not the Pakistan that Altaf Hussain, Asif Zardari, Nwaz Sharif and Imran Khan wants.
Jiye Malala!!!!!
@ Imran Jamil, why? because Taliban have very smart bombs (suicide bombers) in their disposal! Pakistani politicians, clergies and army are afraid of these smart bombs and they want to sleep well in the night without worrying of being blown up by some little smart bomb. Everyone in Pakistan is trying to save their rear end..
He is the kind of leader required in the present situation in Pakistan. I fully appreciate him for his guts and courage. Others are just scrap when it comes to real fight
Aha.... here is a case of the black calling the kettle a pot! . There are those that are literate and inhumane ... enough said!
BHAI thanks you have the courage and guts to speak to rogue,rascal,cheat and looters,problem is with in because snakes up in sleeves are in khakis and in civics,a big crops of shakeel afridi types still very active
Never been a fan of Altaf Hussain. However, here he offers clarity of argument and judgment that lacks in Pakistani leadership and opinion leaders. Imran Khan who pretends to offer a third option will be offering a lame no-change option wedded to military-mullah nexus and hate filled idealogy if he doesn't come clean and draws a line at this inflection point in recent Pak history.
Gosh! Finally a clear denunciation by a major party leader who would never till now have been a candidate for my vote.
In the same tone, Altaf Hussain needs to condemn the attack on Salala.
altaf is and was always right.
He lives in London and he should know what the West thinks of Pakistan. Because of militancy it is soon to become history back in the 7th century.
Do you use skype premium or normal skype? Also are you considering revising how you communicate with us, your local loving loyal followers, given the fact the fact that call rates have been increased.
Altaf Hussain should lead the compaign against these thugs and devils. People should not pray behind Molvies who support these brutal thugs and who donot come clearly against them. We should not out source our religon to the illitrates. If they can pick weapon against the peaceful people of their own country, then we too have the right to return the favor in the same coin. JUI and JI should also stop supporting these dirty illiterate people. People of FATA should not be fence sitters to jump on the band weagon of the powerful, but should take a moral position. Their much trumpted "BRAVERY" should now surface against these thugs or they should stop claiming it.
With MQM !! for now and for ever
Agreed. I think the MQM is the only secular party in the country. It's a shame that its past continues to haunt it. Altaf Hussain should return to Pakistan and face the courts.
Fearless leader of MQM says what majority of Pakistan thinks..Why other leaders are doing IFs and BUTs politics over Talibani terrorism.
@ayesha:
I totally agree...
Look who is talking
This is in responce to Imran Jamil. Because other leaders of Pakistan are in Pakistan and Altaf is in London with his British Citizenship.
Talban.....you say yourself Muslims, but you are killing innocent Children, Women, Old Men,with Bomb Blast, Firing and Terrorism...., Whereas Islam is a peaceful Religion. Your Terrorism and Peace of Islam are Two Different things. How any body can believe that you are muslim..You dont say yourself Muslim, Only say Yourself Agents of Anti Muslim....
Atleast Altaf Husain is one politician who has enough courage to speak the truth about the evil Talibans. Well said. Our armed forces have capitulated, have in a way surrendered to the terror and savagery of Talibans long ago, in violation of their basic and sacred duty to defend the country from all enemies. Its really shameful. The only solution is for the people to arm and fight themselves these bloodthirsty and vicious people and eliminate them without mercy.
At least someone speaking against the extremism in Pakistan, good job MQM and good job Altaf Hussain
Why all other leaders of Pakistan are silent or keeping mum against the extremism and danger society of Pakistan is facing ? I am hearing Altaf Hussain since last many years, he is talking about this danger to our society and no body is paying head to him.
@Ayesha: most of our leaders are living in Pakistan and they are even not visiting Karachi and if they are visiting than they are doing it once in 25 years or may be more... a person can keep an eye on other countries and he can assume that people are doing JIHAD without having any Islamic knowledge (i hope you can understand about whom i am talking)... and if these people can talk about Karachi and Afghanistan than why Mr. Altaf Hussain can not.. cheers and please drink some grow up tonic you really need it!!
I must say this is the first time ever I agree with Altaf
I do not support any political party lately but yes taliban are a curse on Pakistan.
Strong Statement
All the way from London
I stand with MQM and their political philosophy. I wish our people realize that MQM can provide us with the leadership that we need so very badly.
100% agreed with the statement. Apparently he is the only leader of pakistan who is courageous enough to speak out the truth
jiyo!! altaf bhai! i am with u and support u..u r the only tiger in Pakistan.
The kind of leader Pakistan needs. At the very least, this man has guts. Bravo Altaf saab.
He is always sitting in front of TV screen and always the first to issue "statements". Well done London Media Cell.
@Vishnu Dutta: He is not in Pakistan since a long time.
I am not an Urdu speaker nor am I a Karachiite but I do support MQM and it's entire leadership. They are the only sane political party in Pakistan today.
give me break man... sitting thousand miles away and giving such statements is pretty easy... ask your party to march towards NWA in protest and talk to taliban...
@frasat: For once appreciate something good by the MQM, even if you hate them. At least they have have come out clear on their stance against the militants.
Fine, so what is your excuse for Karachi's killing?
Well Said. He showed courage no one else dare to do in Pakistan.
Taliban are inhumane, illiterate, stone-age people: Altaf Hussain Finally some guts shown by a Pakistani politician... Good. Very good..
plz dont make it political
Someone has the spine to stand up to the thugs and represent a political party which speaks against this menace without forked tongue !
Call MQM and Altaf Hussain what you may .. one thing is for sure: This party has demonstrated itself to have more courage than all the do-nothing and spineless political parties and military put together !
Dual nationality holder, residing in foreign country and shouting as leader on Pakistanis...Much to understand....
Courageous leader!
Big applausefor this man for his brave statement against Taliban. No wonder Jamat s Islami does not like MQM :P
I might do what I never even thought of doing, voting for MQM !!!!
this guy talks sense
I have no words to praise this bold stance taken by MQM and its chief Altaf Hussain. No leader, no party in Pakistan has come out this clean in taking a position agaist extremism and Talibans. I strongly believe that 80% of Pakistan's core issues will be resolved if this party is given one chance to completely rule and make decisions in government.
I never like. Altaf hussain but he is clear in what he is saying unlike my hero Imran khan. I wish he could speak clearly as well....
Bhata Mafia are also inhumane, illiterate and people from the modern Era.
Breaking News....We didn't know that..Look who's talking,sitting thousands of miles away from Pakistan & talking peace and safety of Pakistanis..Ufff...Grow up..
Only fearless leader in Pakistan.
Well said Altaf Bhai
It would look better if your party moved legislation in the assembly to ammend laws so that outfis that fund, support and are the breeding grounds for extremist elements are restricted and when prosecuting these criminal elements the law is strengthened so that that known criminals are not released.
Who is humane in Pakistan by the way??? Also Extremism not only includes Religious Extremism but there is Political Extremism and Corrupt practices in every field in our country and also by comparing us with Stone Age people we are actually insulting those innocent people and comparing them with our Cunning, Fraudster lot of Pakistanis is a shame,