30th anniversry: MQM last hope for Pakistan, claims Altaf

MQM chief claims that their party's message has spread across the country today. Pays tribute to fallen comrades.

KARACHI: Calling the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) as the last hope for the survival, security, and prosperity of Pakistan, the party's self-exiled chief Altaf Hussain implored the government on Tuesday that the army should not used to fight in foreign countries.

“The government should not use the Pakistan army for their own purpose and should not involve them in slaughtering Muslim brothers in Libya, Syria, Bahrian and other countries,” Altaf said as he addressed a large gathering of workers at the party’s 30th Foundation Day celebrated at the Jinnah ground in Karachi.

In case such orders are given, the MQM chief urged the armed forces to refuse them in the nation’s interest.

Speaking via telephone to the gathering Altaf said that the MQM was trying to establish a system that was just and free from corruption. He added that the systems of feudalism and democracy cannot coexist.

“Feudal land owners cannot be sincere about solving the problems of the common man,” he said, adding that for things to change in Pakistan the feudal system had to be done away with.

The MQM chief invited people from all of Pakistan to join MQM in the struggle for a stable and secure Pakistan, and reiterated that tackling terrorism was the most important objective for the government.

MQM stands against all forms of terrorism, he said.

On this occasion, Altaf paid tribute to the MQM workers and supporters who had lost their lives in their 30 year long struggle. He reminded the gathering of the personal sacrifices he made and the sacrifices his family had had to make as a result of his political struggle, including living in self-exile for 20 years.

“My committed and devoted companions have experienced repression bravely and some of them sacrificed their lives in our struggle against injustices. Their sacrifices have made MQM a powerful movement,” he said in a statement released on MQM’s website on Tuesday. “The message of MQM has spread across Pakistan. MQM is gaining support with the passage of time.”

Earlier, speaking to the gathering, MQM leader Haider Abbas Rizvi said that the “establishment” had to change their Afghan policy and reconsider their relationship with neighbouring countries because of MQM’s struggle.

He added that MQM’s political philosophy is just as valid today as it was when MQM was established.