KARACHI: In an apparent reference to reported shift in government’s policy over Syria in the aftermath of $1.5 billion ‘friendly donation by Saudi Arabia,’ Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain on Tuesday urged Pakistan’s armed forces to not follow any ‘anti-state orders’ of the government with regards to sending troops abroad.
Speaking to a rally organised to celebrate 30th foundation day of the party, he alleged that the government of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was putting the honour and respect of the country at stake for dollars.
Hussain warned the rulers against inflicting sectarian disharmony in the country by following ‘policies of others’.
The MQM chief said that democracy cannot prevail in a country which runs on feudal system and where girls are being killed in the name of honour.
The founder and leader of MQM said that his party was the last hope for the survival, security, development and prosperity of Pakistan. He added that MQM’s struggle against injustices is a beacon of hope for the oppressed and deprived people across the globe, said a report published on the party’s official website.
“In our struggle we had suffered grief, sorrow, worries and repression and destruction,” said Hussain referring to 30-year long struggle since inception of the party.
“My committed and devoted companions have experienced repression bravely and some of them sacrificed their lives in our struggle against injustices. Their sacrifices have made MQM a powerful movement.”
The MQM chief said it was not difficult to participate in an ideological movement. “People have to go through ordeal when they struggle against oppressors. Movements succeed when people fight the oppressor and tyrant with determination,” he added.
Meanwhile, Information Minister Pervez Rashid severely criticized the MQM chief saying statements like this can pave way for anarchy in the country. "These statements are producing serious repercussions for the country," he said.
Rashid alleged that Altaf Hussain was misleading the masses by creating an atmosphere of mistrust against the government. "Any leader should think a thousand times before speaking on the country's integrity and sovereignty," he said.
