On October 18, Shah had said that Urdu-speaking people of Pakistan were now permanent residents and should therefore stop calling themselves ‘muhajirs’. “The word ‘muhajir’ is a ‘gaali’ (curse) for me and I urge our friends to please stop referring to themselves as muhajir,” he had said.
Addressing the media in Sukkur today, the PPP leader said all Urdu-speaking people are his brothers. “We Sindhis would not let anyone break the province,” he added.
Speaking about the blasphemy charges levelled against him, Shah said several conspiracies had been formulated against me in the past as well. “Despite all these nefarious schemes against me, voters have elected me eight times and I have an important role to play in the politics of the country,” he stated.
Black day
On the appeal of MQM chief Altaf Hussain, businesses and petrol pumps in a few areas of Karachi, Hyderabad and other parts of Sindh were closed down.
Little to no transport was seen on the roads.
Entry test scheduled to be held today at Mehran University of Engineering and Technology, Jamshoro was also cancelled.
MQM will stage a protest at Shahrah-e-Quaideen at 3pm today where Altaf Hussain is expected to address the supporters.
Rangers and police have been deployed in the area to maintain law and order.
Muhajir is a sacred term
Former PPP MNA Abdul Qadir Patel, in a press conference, said that Shah’s statement was misunderstood and despite his apology, MQM was misusing the situation.
“The word ‘muhajir’ is sacred for me,” Patel said, questioning why MQM removed it from their party name and changed it to Muttahida Qaumi Movement instead.
Referring to blasphemy charges levelled against Shah by MQM leaders, Patel said religion should be kept out of politics.
Further, he criticised MQM for ‘shutting off’ news channels in parts of Karachi yesterday.
“To cover their news conferences held last night and their rally today, they forced you [cable operators] to shut transmission.”
COMMENTS (22)
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At least exploitation of religion for the political purposes is unethical and immoral but this trend was legalized by PPP when Bhutto Sahib acted as a god (Naozobillah) and declared faith of Ahmadis. To disagree with Ahmadis is understandable but a trend of religious exploitation and intolerance was set with that. Now it is time to reap and Pakistani society is reflecting the results.
too late
In Islam, politics draws its strength from religion. Mr. Khursheed Shah, did you once again violate the blasphemy law by asking to keep the two separate?
Just Lolzzz. Funny title to see in a Pakistaani newspaper. Thanks for the entertainment, didn't read the article.
"Entry test scheduled to be held today at Mehran University of Engineering and Technology, Jamshoro was also cancelled."
The test was not cancelled and was conducted according the schedule. Did even bother to check?
Also there was plenty of transport on the roads, ever bothered going out ?
We have heard most derogatory remarks in Pakistan, why so much reaction now?
What a statement from one of the leader of PPP, the party who appeased the clergy by bringing religion into politics, when in 1974 constitutionally taking away fundamental rights of a community, just to appease religious parties
Religion, politics should be kept separate, urges Khursheed Shah
Err...
Isn't it a little late in the day for this.
One should have realised this in 1940s.
We need 50 provinces.. Khurshid Shah plz get out of your old wadera mentality
Mr. Shah, Soon you will be running to The Canadaian embassy for Asylum, if you do I hope they turn you down.
We have struggled all these years and no one can deny our rights. Altaf Bhai is our only hope.
Humans are not capable of making perfect laws for other human beings. The laws and policies will always be flawed.
Just have a taste of blasphemy laws for a change and feel reality, then move to remove these un-Islamic laws that are created in the name of Islam just to set scores against minorities.
Very Good, don't utter these words hypocritically ..... Move amendments for necessary changes in the Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
the so called "liberal" and "secular" MQM,trying to stir religious sentiments for political gains yet calls itself secular.Calling MQM secular is an insult to the very idea this word stands for.
Khurshid Shah....what about language being used by baby zardari ?
how can it be when your constitution does't keep it apart.
Good effort by the MQM......but its going to be hard to live down the over 5 years of support given to the the PPP-Z rule of blatant ' loot, plunder and misgovernance '.
Now you realize that you are brother of Urdu speakings, its too late mate, ab to ban ke rahe ga Mohajir soba. You guys always enjoy provincial government but never allowed the council elections. I think MQM is on the right track, we wasted too much time on PPP coalition. Its time to break up and part our ways. No matter what it takes let do it now or never.
No sir. If you blaspheme, as you did, then there are consequences. You help set up these Blasphemy Laws. Now you have to pay the price.
Nice headline... religion and politics must be separate... but they forgot creation of Pakistan was on the basis of religion!! How can they be separate there?