Dedicating this rally to the martyred soldiers, Hussain said that the soldiers are selflessly sacrificing their lives for the country. He further added that unity and harmony are imperative for the country.
Hussain added that army showed patience and stayed within the law and constitution, while giving militants a chance during the negotiations.
If militants want to impose sharia, they should act within the constitution. There are other religious parties as well, but they all express their views while remaining within the parametres of the Constitution, Altaf said, adding that militants should express their views and ideologies without using guns, sticks and violence.
The MQM chief also said that first, the terrorists should be eliminated, after which landlords and corrupt politicians should be eliminated.
Hussain had announced on June 28 that his party would hold a historic gathering to express solidarity with the armed forces who are currently fighting against militants in the ongoing Zarb-e-Azb operation in North Waziristan.
Members of other religious and political parties were invited to the gathering as well. Those in attendance included Awami Muslim League chief Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad and Pakistan People's Party (PPP) minister Rubina Qaimkhani.
Qaimkhani, while addressing the rally, said that the MQM provided a platform for other parties to come together and support the army. She further said that the PPP leadership had been victimised by the Taliban.
Meanwhile, Rasheed added that it is important to win the hearts of the internally displaced persons otherwise the war would be lost.
COMMENTS (32)
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@Napier Mole: very true MQM should in ur words " demand the provision of a fully empowered metropolitan government for Karachi and for other cities in Sindh", remeber they gave baldiyati bill which was giving metropolitan status to larkana even , but what to do , wadera just did not buzz , MQM sholud now seriously take up the core issue of urban developement , equal opportunities in education , and jobs , for whole of sind , transport and health reforms , , they should now focus on local body elction and enpowerment with zeal and vigor , since money laundry and dr imran murder issue is now nearly over , this is most important for its voters , but at the same time we need to fully appreciate their liberalism and brave stance against extrimism and support to armed forces
@ Shariyar
@ mrs ahmed
I think mrs ahmed is missing the point. What you are saying is absolutely correct. This is the solution to Karachi's ills. The question that Shariyar is raising is why isnt this issue an article of faith for mqm. Every now and then we see mqm raise this issue, there is some fuss for few days and the issue dies down to be raised again (conveniently) at a later date. I agree with you that only mqm can get this done but it needs to show sincerity of purpose for this. If there is one issue which can justify closing down of the city for a day, 3 day or a week, it is this i.e. to demand the provision of a fully empowered metropolitan government for Karachi and for other cities in Sindh. Every thing else is an eyewash really. It is sad to see MQM moving from its core base of urban issues to all sorts of frivolities.
@Shahriyar: I have one answer for this we need directly elected mayor ,in karachi like london , paris newyork tehran and many other mega cities , If we recall mustafa era , when some power over administration and funding was given karachi saw a turn around , city better cleaned , better infra structure , remember green buses introduced with least nepotism and corrutopn , rule of merit , we did not have mustafas brother at any position of importance and control , i am sure u are aware that karachi is sontrolled by CM as if an occupied territory , recent example in the budget session CM claim 42 billion for karachi , in the speech , but in govt papers , 28 billion and out of this money only 8 billion for 14 towns and 6 billion for 4 twons in the outskirts of karachi , it will tell you the whole story , coming back to directly elected mayor ,with control of over locally recruited police , local revenue collection , health , transport education , civic needs with a assebmly like greater london assembly , is the only way out , in all honesty MQM is the only party which can deliver of directly elected mayor if given control , they are most deciplines , believe in qualifiaction ability and merit , shuns nepotism , again bring mustafa zero corruption , had he gained money he could have started business like arsalan iftikhar and not do a naukry , mustafa himself said there are thousands of mustafa in MQM , they just need to be given a chance , i request people that they look at MQM without bias and i am sure most would agree that MQM is the only party which fits on the modern western standered of a political party ,
@mrs ahmed: Wow Madam what big glorious words but what about the decaying Karachi ? What about no development work during six years of wadera corruption party rule MQM has been an excited part of which ? What about people of Karachi commuting like animals in ching chi rickshaws and mini buses and wadera corruption party blocking Japanese attempts to rebuild KCR and MQM not holdiong any rally, dharna or shutdown against this gross injustice to the people of Karachi ? What about quota system ethnic cleansing of people of Karachi from government and police offices ? and MQM still not holding any rally, dharna or shutdown against all these atrocities against people of Karachi it claims to be representing !!!
amazing jalsa , it is univesally agreed that success and prosperity is thru modernity , liberalism ,pluralism all inclusiveness interfaith harmony and most of all meritocracy . MQM believes in these principles and practices and call pakistanis to follow the same , Altaaf hussain the great leader congratulation on sheer display of discipline in such a large crowd , which is absolutely lacking in the rest of political parties , once again mubrakbaad to MQM and karachi and pakistan
MQM did the spectacular job, MQM needs the standing ovation from every patriot Pakistani.
@Independent: Couldnt agree more, very very well said
Great Move. Now will MQM please hold a rally in solidarity with the citizens of Karachi whose city has been looted and destroyed during last six years of wadera corruption party rule which happens to be a permanent ally of MQM ??? and will MQM also hold a rally against blockage of the revival of Karachi Circular Railway among other development work in Karachi by the wadera corruption party ??
@Aysha M......how come people like you be so illiterate !!!!
People who commenting against Altaff or MQM are obviously missing the point, rather than support the Army which the main theme they are criticising him for the sake of criticising. They should come out to say they support the Taliban. If Altaf hussain laid down his life for Pakistan the insane people will still call it a political stunt or come up with conspiracy theorist.
@AKarachite-Please note Nawaz Sharif leads the country and he is a criminal. The party is in fact as they attacked the supreme court.
It's a game of who can tune in with the boots. Army wants control of the affairs as they had in previous government. Imran Khan is desperate to become PM. MQM will support Army especially to get assistance in money laundering case. Shaikh Rashid wants some crumbs, as usual. PPP May see an opportunity to survive till next round of democracy. Where is national solidarity and sincerity in all this? What about people's mandate of 2013 elections? Do they really count?
Please spare us from further inconvenience and public nuisance with your rally's and dharnas. The nation is with the army - whole heartedly if I may add without MQM calling it out.
Even the leader of militia wing has more political sense and patriotism than certain people who has a degree from Oxford but still acts like a street boy. The Oxford educated has outdone the militia leader in thug mentality.
I attended this rally, it was great !
Wow, the MQM is truly the most organized political body in Pakistan. The entire city of Karachi was taken over by MQM workers and supporters. Every corner of the city witnessed mini car rallies, motorcycle rallies, and parades. SPECTACULAR !
"If militants want to impose sharia, they should act within the constitution."
Will our secular generals and leaders permit Sharia to be imposed? Of course not. If it was imposed, our leaders would all be put on trial.
This is a tremendous effort by the MQM to unite the nation and stand by the armed forces. MQM should be saluted for this patriotic gesture.
@Ozair: And, offered to gather intelligence against the ISI.
@Aamir - Altaf Hussain is the face of political maturity, magnanimity and malleability. He has successfully filled the void of leadership the country suffered. Pakistan is united in defeating terrorism and fully and wholeheartedly supports Pak Army
Salute To MQM for Taking Such Exemplary Measures, and bringing all major political parties one front, those who attended, made it clear where they stand in this fight against Terrorism.
Desperate move by MQM to win back the sympathies !!!!
"Once a thief, always a thief"
Why a known criminal still leading the party?
Its high time for the nation to unite! Good job, AH!
aren't you coming back soon?
I am confused. Isnt this the same party which wrote to PM of UK that they would help in disbanding ISI?
In other words, just dont let that wiley coyote Ch Nisar hand over them 2 killers to the Yard.
Very well done ,MQM, now it looks MQM really a national party Good coverage by ET
Mr Altaf Hussain seems to be in competition with Mr Tahir Ashrafi in terms of Solidarity for eating a lot these days.