KARACHI, May 16: Muttahida Qaumi Movement chief Altaf Hussain has said that the geographical changes do not change the cultural bond between the people.
The change of religion does not change human physiology, genetic makeup and chemistry, he said while speaking to the audience of a 'Pakistan-India Friendship Mushaira' over the telephone from London.
The event was organized by the All Pakistan Mohajir Students' Organization (APMSO) on Saturday night in Azizabad. Poets from India and Pakistan participated in the event, which was attended by a large number of audience, including leaders and activists of the Muttahida and its students' wing.
The event was presided over by Indian poet Waseem Barelvi, and conducted by MNA Haider Abbas Rizvi and MPA Faisal Sabzwari. Welcoming the poets, Mr Hussain said: "Indeed, these are happy moments during which the sentiments of love and closeness are increasing between the people of both countries."
Citing example of the Berlin Wall, he said that with the passage of time, those people who were separated begin to think as to what they did under sentiments and passion and why those living together for centuries were separated.
Mr Hussain said that after the First and Second World Wars, the hatred between human beings receded and without demolishing the "Berlin Wall", they marched ahead respecting one another's geographical boundaries and hence, European Union came into existence.
He added that India and Pakistan had fought many wars and the people had suffered great losses and it was time that both the countries should learn lessons from the European Union and invoke the sentiments for people-to-people contacts and live in peace and harmony.
He said that human body disintegrates as a result of hatred and the geography of the soil divides but it did not end the cultural and traditional relationships. Arts and literature could not be confined within the geographical boundaries and they should be made tools for friendship.
The Muttahida leader said that despite different religions, the cultural and traditional relationships remained intact. Mr Hussain said: "For me respecting humanity is the greatest worship and worship without respect for humanity is totally useless.
Today's congregation is reflecting the source of friendship, love and goodwill, which is no less than worship." He prayed that such sentiments and awareness were inculcated in the people of two countries and they shared their love and pain.
