Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain has asked Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to step down in a bid to stave off the possibility of human and financial losses in the upcoming protests by opposition parties.
“I appeal to the prime minister to come forward in order to save the country and analyse the situation himself. If he thinks the country will face grave danger from the impending long marches and protests, he should bravely step down from his position,” Altaf said in a press statement issued late Saturday night.
The MQM chief urged PM Nawaz to realise his responsibility and take the lead in order to avoid anarchy in the country. Before stepping down, he said, Nawaz Sharif could hand over the reins of power to someone else from his party and nominate a new prime minister in consultation with his party colleagues.
He recommended that the PM could gather the representatives of all political and religious outfits, listen to their grievances and announce measures to address their complaints.
Altaf also appealed to religious and political parties, as well as the masses, to save the country by ironing out differences and removing misunderstandings through dialogue.
The MQM chief did not restrict his advice to the ruling party alone. He called upon both the Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) – which have issued separate calls for a long march in Islamabad – to refrain from aggressive actions and to resolve all issues through dialogue and discussion.
“There are still a few days left in August 12 and August 14 protests and keeping in view the critical and sensitive situation of the country, these parties as patriotic Pakistanis and citizens should come together and refrain from threats and confrontation methods and actions,” he said.
He cautioned that conflicts and disturbances could lead to bigger problems, including situations like that of Palestine, Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan. “For every small or big problem, political parties should adopt peaceful methods and go for discussions and refrain from confrontational means which can cause harm to the country,” he said.
The MQM chief also spoke on other national issues such as enforced disappearances in Balochistan and lack of basic necessities – schools, hospitals and gas and electricity – in the province and elsewhere. He said it was unfortunate that no democratic government had ever held local government elections.
“The critical phase through which the country is passing is in front of everyone, while our armed forces are sacrificing their lives to eradicate militants and terrorists,” he added.
According to party sources, the MQM will not be participating in the revolution march of Dr Tahirul Qadri. A decision to this effect will be announced soon.
Altaf urged Prime Minister Nawaz to realise his responsibility and take the lead in order avoid anarchy in the country.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 3rd, 2014.
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The tiny area of Pakistan cannot make or break elected govts in the center. These settlements may be rich and powerful but democracy is one man one vote and the rich and powerful armed people are outvoted even Sindh let alone Pakistan. This attitude only shows arrogance and dictatorial colonial mindset of lifelong leaders.
pmln 180 seats, pti 35 seats.... pmln still panic
@Aysha M: My bholi sister Karachi doesn't Generate but Collects 70% of the revenue being a port city on behalf of federal govt for all provinces + Gilgit Baltistan so it is not feeding the rest of Pakistan. Get the facts straight and stop misleading people in your blind infatuation for Altaf Bhai.
@Mamu: This is the first time you were awake & listening. Be more receptive and you will not be disappointed
@Ghulam Ali: Please try to assess for yourself and not become a consumer of TV journalism and analyses You have seen their representatives, the likes of farooq sattar, haider abbas, Faisal Sabswari and the list goes on, and of course the phenomenon called Mustafa Kamal. do you really think that these educated, committed people of substance, sensibilities and sparkling character would actually spend their life times to support a shady organisation, take a moment and think. Perceptions become stronger than reality, it is a common mistake to take perceptions seriously, but i would encourage to make independent evaluation of things
@Ghulam Ali: Please try to assess for yourself and not become a consumer of TV journalists and analyst. You have seen their representatives, the like farooq sattar, haider abbas, Faisal Sabswari and the list goes on, and of course the phenomenon called Mustafa Kamal. do you really think that these educated, committed people of substance, sensibilities and sparkling character would actually spend their life times to support a shady organisation, take a moment and think. Perceptions become stronger than reality, it is a common mistake to take perceptions seriously, but i would encourage to make independent evaluation of things
The way Nawaz Shareef treated PAT workers shows he is afraid of any opposition, he doesnt want others to exist, its a good advice by Altaf Hussain to PM to step down and avoid further confrontation.Fact is Nawaz Shareef didnt learn from his past.
"KARACHI:Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain has asked Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to step down in a bid to stave off the possibility of human and financial losses in the upcoming protests by opposition parties" Apparently this Altaf Hussain's suggestion seems excellent but the most important question rises,id est,if Nawaz Sharif follows this Altaf Hussain's suggestion,which seems definitely impossible to happen because who can leave the luxurious life with foolproof security around and the most authoritative post of Pakistan,will the severe crises Pakistan is facing be resolved or in words Nawaz Sharif's stepping down is the solution of all the crises whereas PML-N will still in the government with massive majority and next PM shall be also of PML-N????
@Aysha M: How about implementing this suggestion on Altaf Hussain first? Altaf Hussian has been continuously heading MQM (earlier APMSO) for the last 38 years. He hasn't himself been to Pakistan during the last 22 years but has been small part of almost every government during these decades!.
For the first time in life, Altaf pai has said something logical.
IK topple NS government and then NS in turn will topple their government.... we are in real mature territory
@Ahmad: You must try to understand that Altaf Hussain doesnt do ambiguous and he doesnt rattle political platitudes, he is offering a road map, a context where people have a choice to harness horses before they go to a point of no return and there can be no face saving. It is a win win, that he is creating, which is what statesmen actually do, they do not go blinded and possessed by ambition making it difficult for their supporters to continue supporting them. It is time to be less gullible and not fall prey to devious opinion makers and evaluate for one's own self what is being said rather than who is saying it. Like it is said rise with the situation not to the situation. There is no time left on the clock to remain prisoners of prejudice, develop openness of thought and see what the message contains, support if you assess it to be constructive and once the matter is sorted under the voice of the vision presented you can then go back to hating him if you like. Hating all the time is exhausting give yourself a break from time to time and think for yourself, think for Pakistan. Thanks
Current situation of country can not afford to step aside or step down of prime minister Nawaz Sharif.
PM Nawaz is leading country on right path.
Other political parties must strengthen the hands of govt.
Rather we should not make our country football to fullfil any vseted interest.
I shall appeal all political parties to express their sense of responsibility to avoid any chaos which is unafforable at this stage.
Prayers for political and economical stability of country.
Altaf Bhai shoud first bring democracy in his own party, its being run by Rabta Committes, not an elected body, but selected body of Altaf Bhai. Who is President, G Sec etc of MQM? MQM is so called party of middle class, so why this party is shying away from democratic norms within its own ranks and file? Why always use violence to win elections? Karachi witnesses most rigging in elections and I am sure, if free and fair election is going to happen, MQM is going to lose many seats.
@i4shad:
Nobody protested on previous rigging, does it mean that no body should protest at all on rigging.. Come out of this state of mind before it is too late
U all trying to justify Rigging with agr magr ye woh, I am socked Why they r not investigating Rigging.....? Whyy Keep pti or IK aside Can We accept a PM who is accused for Rigging by the all parties and he is not letting investigation happen.
We did,nt support pti to let this so called system work How its been working since 65 years
Grow up guys, We need to change this mindset Ye Pakistán hy, yahan sab chalta hy this and that, blaw blaw blaw Pti must stand strong on its demand at any cost
@Aysha M: How about torture, bhatta, law and order situation in Karachi (the city which MQM commands)?
He will step aside only after four years just to be elected for next term. Storm in cup of tea doesn't bring revolution but embarrassment for those who put their stakes on it.
Altaf bhai's advise to NS to quit PM house for saving the country msy be acceptable if Altaf bahai agrees to bring back his savings billions US $ to Pakistan. ....
@Ricky: The small area feeds the whole of Pakistan, generates 70%of the revenue for Pak ans 90% for Sindh. Then you talk of joining government, the only way you can serve people is by being in power, the actual impetus to join government, not to enjoy ministerial status. His suggestion is to find a way forward and engage the political parties going down the war path, in developing consensus and move towards electoral reforms instead of locking horns
Look who's back. The one whose bail just got extended till Dec courtesy of ....
Bhai a UK citizen always insisted about his mandate in a small area of Pakistan. Always joined each and every govt for power. How can he tell a majority party to hand over their mandate to the two parties PTI and Qadri who do not believe in these elections? In addition how nominating another person from PML-N would satisfy those who do not believed in elections and current mandate? How changing from NS to SS or another leader would solve the problems country is facing. The answer could be a national govt with proportionate representation till next elections. Great suggestion though, NS should give up his leadership as PM after a year but other parties have lifelong leaders! This is called double standards.
Pakistan is a strange country. In fact, it is demonstrating that it does not have the basic ingredients to make for a successful nation. The democratic gene is completely missing from their DNA. Everybody wants to be an authority unto himself. Every democracy has to deal with electoral irregularities - no matter what system they use. But you don't overthrow governments just because one party cannot handle losing. If Mr.Imran Khan thinks he will become the PM by bullying the ruling party, he is totally mistaken. Aug 14 could be the bloodiest day in Pakistan's history. I just hope common sense prevails and all parties show a minimum level of maturity.
Very good advise by Altaf Hussain,let us see the sincerity from Govt. Well written by ET
What a ridiculous suggestion by Altaf Bhai !
Can someone tell MQM , it is time to elect a new leader I'm their party , who can actually live in the country and feel and hear directly from the people rather than video conferencing and singing songs .
For the saving of country altafhussain bhai please don't ever try to come pakistan and please don't think about pakistan think about money laundering
Altaf Hussain doesn't do common or cautious, he is unafraid and speaks from the heart & head combined, in the best interest of the nation Once again he has shown what it takes to be a leader, the only true visionary leader in Pakistan. Thank you Altaf Hussain for being who you are when the so called leaders of the country aren't who they should have been, more power, strength, courage, wisdom & health to you Sir, the subcontinent hasn't seen such an altruistic leadership who has no life outside his political vision no business empire to build no intentions of placing family members in leadership role. Proud to be an MQM supporter
Jinnah was right that Democracy and Secularism is not for maximum India Muslims.
PPP won and ruled the country out of the same flawed and rigged electoral system and no one protested on streets. This government has agreed to fix the system but yet IK is not satisfied. When the country suffers if the rulers take their eyes of the ball due to his agitation then he will be held responsible.