KARACHI, April 17: Muttahida Quami Movement chief Altaf Hussain has welcomed the efforts made by India and Pakistan for the resolution of all disputes, including Kashmir, and promotion of friendly ties between the two countries, says a press release. Addressing the gathering at a mushaira organized by “Gahwara-i-Adab” at Laal Qila in Azizabad on Saturday night, Mr Hussain said that history was replete with examples of countries which did not allow boundaries to stand in the way of cordial relations. He wondered how could a division which separated people from one another be spoken well of.
He said India and Pakistan might have fought three wars, but, he added, it was not right for the two countries to indulge in a blame game.
He said the peoples of India and Pakistan had never wanted conflict and strife. On the contrary, he said, they wanted peace and tranquillity in the region.
Mr Altaf welcomed the measures being taken by President Musharraf for the establishment of an abiding peace in the subcontinent, especially the resolution of long-festering disputes. He praised him for undertaking a journey to India to resolve the disputes.
He said the coming generations would be thankful to the leaders in power today if they succeeded in resolving these disputes.
He deplored that he and his political party had been branded as “Indian agents” for speaking about promotion of friendly ties between India and Pakistan.
He said he and the Muttahida Quami Movement braved state repression with great equanimity and continued their struggle. He said that the Muttahida would continue to work for Pakistan no matter how many allegations were laid at its door.
Visiting poet from India Suman Dobay heaped praises on Mr Hussain and said she was honoured to be part of the mushaira. Other poets also paid tribute to Mr Hussain.
Meanwhile, Sindh Governor Ishratul Ibad announced Rs0.5 million donation for the Gahwara-i-Adab that organized the Pak-India Friendship Mushaira at Laal Qila Ground of Azizabad, adds PPI.
Addressing on the occasion, he said that country was on the way to progress due to positive steps of the government. He said that the country’s largest city Karachi was witnessing a complete peace and the credit for it besides the provincial government went to Muttahida chief Altaf Hussain.
He thanked President Musharraf for ending the injustice with Karachiites and taking the country to the road of progress.
The governor also presented his poems on the occasion.
