KARACHI, Dec 26: Muttahida Qaumi Movement chief Altaf Hussain has declared that his party would foil designs to turn Pakistan into a theocratic state, as the very idea militated against the concept and theory propounded by the Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah.

He declared this while speaking to a slogan-chanting and flag-waving crowd of supporters at the RCD Ground in Malir on Thursday.

The venue was jampacked and supporters had filled spaces on the main road, streets, and bylanes of an area which was previously described as no-go area for the party for over 12 years.

The MQM founder quoted extensively from the speeches of the Father of the Nation to argue that the Quaid too was opposed to mullaism, and had visualised Pakistan to be a moderate, and progressive state, ensuring equality for all, be they Muslims, Christians, Hindus, or any other religion, belonging to any sect or fiqh in Islam. They were all Pakistanis and enjoyed equal rights, and privileges and were free to fashion their lives according to tenets of their respective faith.

Unfortunately, he said, the country had now been overtaken by extremists who by their conduct and speeches, spread hatred, driving the country into the dark alleys of discord and disharmony. The divisiveness should now end, he added.

Pakistan today, surrounded as it was by dangers from all around, was looking desperately for national unity and cohesiveness.

The situation, therefore, demanded closing of ranks, the MQM chief stressed repeatedly during his 60-minute telephonic address from London, appealing to people to ignore propaganda by the vested interest, and support those working for their prosperity and well-being. Hatred for fellow religionists and countrymen must be replaced by goodwill for each other. Humility and kindness must be the beacon light in the conduct of our behaviour.

The cardinal principle of self-governance must be conceded and the provinces must have control over their respective administrations, he emphasized.

Mr Hussain said that Sindh, despite contributing up to 70 per cent of the national resources, was subjected to injustices for 56 years. It should be given its due right now.

He felt confident that all those living in Sindh — Punjabis, Sindhis, Pushtoons, Mohajirs, Seraikis, and the Baloch — who had made Sindh their abode, were reinvesting their income for the welfare of Sindh, and those who lived and died here, deserved equal rights.

The MQM chief said cause of Sindh would be raised with one voice from Karachi to Kashmore. The projects like Kalabagh and Thal Canal be built only after seeking their consent. Nothing should be forced upon them because that will create dissension.

Taking an advantage of the occasion, Mr Hussain announced a general amnesty for the families and relatives of the people who, according to him, under State umbrella had let loose a reign of terror on the population.

He, however, emphasised that those involved in murder, torture, loot and plunder, or any kind of crime against humanity, would have to be dealt under the laws of the land so that they too were treated with justice and fairplay.

The MQM had made it a mission for itself to turn the Quaid’s dream into reality, he said, adding that his party would not allow Pakistan to be a “mulla” state.

He made it clear that the only way of salvaging the country, and keeping it united, was to grant full autonomy to provinces, who should be made masters of their destiny.