28 September 2004	Tuesday	12 Shaban 1425

KARACHI, Sept 27: MQM chief Altaf Hussain has stressed that because of the mediaeval system and political culture prevalent in the country, gulf between the poor and rich had widened, and no practical steps have been taken to fill this gulf.

Addressing general workers meeting of the Khidmat-i-Khalq Foundation (KKF) here on Sunday, he emphasised the role of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement in bridging the gap and serving the poor people without any discrimination.

Mr Hussain was concerned that owing to the prevailing disparity, a section of people had no employment and were facing starvation while the other section was very rich. The condition of the middle class was deteriorating with every passing day, he said.

Mr Hussain stated that the basis of MQM's manifesto and ideology was to serve the humanity, which was being provided in the form of Khidmat-e-Khalq Foundation (KKF) without any discrimination.

His telephonic address was heard simultaneously in Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Mirpurkhas, Sanghar, Nawabshah, Khairpur, Ghotki, Jacobabad, Larkana, Naushero Feroze, Badin, Dadu, Shikarpur and Thatta. The meeting was also addressed by Deputy Convener Dr Farooq Sattar, KKF President Sheikh Liaquat Hussain, Members of Coordination Committee Anwar Alam and Hyder Rizvi.

Shedding light on the welfare services of the KKF, Mr Hussain said that when the MQM commenced its struggle in the form of All-Pakistan Mohajir Students Organisation (APMSO) on 11 June 1978, Khidmat-i-Khalq Committee (KKC) was established with a view to provide service to humanity, particularly to the needy.

Gradually, the welfare activities of KKC increased and to continue providing services on a broader spectrum, KKC was transformed into Khidmat-i-Khalq Foundation (KKF). In case of any catastrophe, hurricanes, storms, earthquakes, drought or other natural disasters, volunteers of KKF reach the far-flung and remote areas to help provide aid to the needy and affected people, to provide medical relief and assistance.

he also pointed out that the KKF had established Nazeer Hussain Hospital, blood bank and several welfare dispensaries in different areas of the province. Mr Hussain appealed to the philanthropists to visit the KKF and its centres to witness how this institute is providing welfare services and relief to the general public. He sought the cooperation of philanthropists in establishing ambulance and other welfare services in the 14 zones of Sindh in the current year.

Mr Hussain also referred to his party's stance on water and NFC Award and said the MQM had also raised its voice against the operation in Balochistan despite being part of the government.

The people of Lyari, he said, had repeatedly voted for the PPP but despite thrice coming into power, the PPP paid no attention to their grievances and problems and no governor or prime minister visited Lyari.

However, MQM's Dr Ishrat-ul Ibad after becoming the Governor of Sindh not only visited Lyari many times but he is also paying special attention towards resolving the issues of Lyari.