MQM using ‘Muhajir’ statement to incite people’s emotions: Aitzaz
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ISLAMABAD: Countering allegations of blasphemy by the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), senior PPP stalwart Aitzaz Ahsan on Monday claimed the former allied party was trying to incite people’s emotions by raising the issue.
The Pakistan Peoples Party landed in a controversy with the MQM earlier this month when Opposition Leader in the National Assembly, Syed Khursheed Shah remarked that 'the use of word Muhajir was an insult'.
The controversial statement was not taken lightly by the MQM, which called Oct 17 the “most unfortunate day in the history of Pakistan” given that the senior PPP leader termed 'Muhajir' an objectionable word at least four times.
On Sunday, the MQM hoisted black flags at all party offices across the country and observed a 'black day' in protest to the statement by Shah, who had already apologised and retracted his words after facing criticism.
Speaking to reporters today, Aitzaz said the PPP believed parties like MQM and Awami National Party (ANP) were against all sorts of extremism and would never use religion as a tool to achieve their ‘negative goals’.
“MQM used the issue to incite people's emotions,” the PPP leader said.
“This was least expected from MQM because we have been in government with them, but what they did [on Sunday] left all the rational segments of the society in surprise," he said.
Ahsan also said that it was unfair on anyone's part to consider themselves as equals to the migrants of Makkah who accompanied the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) on his migration to Madina.
The PPP leader also slammed the ‘foul language’ used by the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) against PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari.
Responding to PTI's Gujrat power show, Aitzaz lamented by saying: “We are peaceful and tolerant. It is open to everyone the way PPP had been rounded up with criticism during its government.”
“Yet we had set an example of tolerance. We have always taught this and will continue doing so,” the PPP leader said, adding that their workers may not remain tolerant all the time if the “use of foul language” against his party did not stop.
Aitzaz also strongly warned opponents against pushing the PPP to the wall.
During PTI's Gujrat rally, Awami Muslim League chief Sheikh Raheed Ahmed had lashed out at the PPP leadership and called its patron-in-chief Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari "Billo Rani".
Mocking his Urdu accent, Rasheed had advised the PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari to invest some of his wealth on Bilawal in order to remove what he termed as a 'technical fault'.
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Comments (60) Closed
Oct 27, 2014 06:36pm
I am not a PPP or a PTI Member I how ever agree with Mr. Aitzaz that the foul language of PTI has to stop. It is disgusting what this Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed was saying about Bilawal and many others. It is the lowest of the lowest behavior and is inciting the young people to do the same. I would not be surprised if the day comes when some one will react angrily. I have never heard the PTI leader condemn this things rather he is doing the same. PTI is promoting hooliganism and there will be plenty of young people doing just that .
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Oct 27, 2014 07:09pm
I used to have respect for Mr. Aitzaz Ahsan, but since you have bowed to the 25 years old.
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Oct 27, 2014 07:13pm
Like always, this time we also receive a mature statement given by Mr. Ahsan. His quote that 'it was unfair on anyone's part to consider themselves as equals to the migrants of Makkah who accompanied the Holy Prophet Peace Be Upon Him on his migration to Madina' is highly valuable and a good reply to MQM allegations.
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Oct 27, 2014 07:15pm
Mr. Ahsan I always thought that you are a man of class but you have just proved yourself to be an ordinary JIALA of PPP.
Gentleman before you protect Mr. Bilawal let him first be the chair person elected by an ordinary member of the PARTY in spite of being nominated by the dear father.
Hope you and all the senior members of the party will under stand what I am up to and read the writing on the wall Mr. Bilawal is not even the basic member of the PPP AND HAVE NO RIGHT TO BE CHAIR PERSON WITH OUT THE PROPER ELECTION IN THE PARTY.
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Oct 27, 2014 07:17pm
Chill Mr Aitzaz. You like it or not, more provinces are destine for the Pakistan. You lament it, criticize it, dislike it what ever way you want. If you have Aql-e-Saleem and Heart with Taqwa, you will agree with the it.
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Oct 27, 2014 07:21pm
@trend Sheikh Rasheed is not a PTI member so they are not responsible for what he says. What is PTI saying? If calling crooks what they are in any society is wrong then perhaps PTI is wrong. Mr. Aitezaz has lost his respect in the past for the actions he did. So his words have no meaning at all.
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Oct 27, 2014 07:22pm
@trend Agreed....One day IK will learn how to speak in the public gatherings and how to address his opponents. It is quite unfortunate that IK & company is playing with emotions of people by using an indecent language against Mr. Bilawal Bhutto and many others. I am afraid, if he didn't mind his language, people will confine him in a container forever.
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Oct 27, 2014 07:26pm
Dear Attorney
it was not MQM who released racial hate statement.
It was Syed Khursid Shah (PPP leader) who started war by saying hate words against Mohajir, MQM reaction is normal. Also Bilawal Zardari gave bad remarks about MQM on same time. Looks like sindhi nationalist inside PPP has some plan against Mohajir. If MQM do not response they will lose their support.
Saima Khan
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Oct 27, 2014 07:31pm
Aitzaz Ahmed is a supporter of dynasty, not democracy. I have already lost all respect for him.
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Oct 27, 2014 07:41pm
Way to go MQM!!! new provinces are destine, no matter someone like it or not or lament it in any way.
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Oct 27, 2014 07:45pm
"MQM trying to incite people's emotions."
Strange to hear this from a senior leader of PPP, a party whose whole politics during last 35 years is based on inciting / exciting people with "Bhutto" and "Shaheed" slogans and zero performance. Enough is enough Mr Ahsan. People are now fed up with these worn out slogans. If your party sincerely wants to recover and regain any bit of its past glory, then please come out of this "Shaheed" shell and do something for the masses, not for the family of "Shaheeds"
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Oct 27, 2014 07:56pm
@trend, First of all, Shaikh Rashid is not in PTI. Second, he called the launching of Bilawal Bhutto in Karachi where people of Karachi did not partcipate, "Billo Rani Show." It is hard to control Shaikh Rashid, he is going to crack his jokes and his Billo Rani remark is becoming very popular on the social media. Bilawal inherited PPP's chairmanship at age 19 and I find it rather ridiculous. Pakistani politics has to change and produce modern leaders based on merit.
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Oct 27, 2014 07:56pm
I used to consider Mr. Aitzaz Ahsan, a reasonable man, now since he did not speaks about the corruptions by Zardari and Nawaz, he lost his credibility.
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Oct 27, 2014 07:58pm
@Radiohead, You couldn't be more right. I cannot figure out why people like Aitzaz Ahsan, Taj Haider, Qamar Zaman Kaira, etc would take their instructions from Bilawal Zardari.
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Oct 27, 2014 08:36pm
Administrative units and Mohajir Province are two different issues and it should be decided amicably.
All the politicians must use sober language for their opponents. Mr. Aitazaz is a clean politician and always speak truth even in his party's meeting or in the Parliament.
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Oct 27, 2014 08:45pm
Both MQM and PPP has lost credibility. They keep using language as a key to provoke their voters.
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Oct 27, 2014 08:49pm
The problem is Mr. Aitzaz is speaking the TRUTH! And some misguided folks simply can't accept the fact. Comparing MQM immigrants with the holy folks of Madina, really!
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Oct 27, 2014 08:53pm
lol at technical fault, thanks for making our day
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Oct 27, 2014 08:59pm
I am confused with Aitzaz Ahsan? Who is immigrant? His own family move to Europe in a male relationship or Altaf in London, UK? To me, both are bad for the nation and both are egoist and selfish willing to do what ever to reach their objectives - objectives unhealthy for the nation and democracy. If Ahsan is a real democratic type of guy then he should ask for elections to elect the chairman of his corrupt party - same goes to this Altaf guy of MQM.
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Oct 27, 2014 09:04pm
Did not Bialwal try to incite PPP workers by hurling threats on Mr Altaf Hussain and MQM. Mr Etzaz Ahsan should think that he is led by a 25 years old immature Bilawal Zardari.
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Oct 27, 2014 09:06pm
Aitizaz hassan should respect Mohajirs
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Oct 27, 2014 09:44pm
Very well said Mr Aitzaz. You have clearly described their mentality.
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Oct 27, 2014 09:49pm
throwing eggs and shoes at Bilawal in front of the global media in London was wrong. It also undermined the Million March and its message. Bilawal and his sister had specifically flown for the march, which no other Pakistani leader did.
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Oct 27, 2014 09:52pm
@Kamran
"Aitizaz hassan should respect Mohajirs"
It is also about time to introspect for those who even after close to 70 years of partition call themselves Mohajirs. Associating themselves with Meccan who migrated to Medinah during the time of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and using the term of blasphemy so casually, is mind blowing.
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Oct 27, 2014 09:55pm
If Muhajir can make Pakistan, they can also make a province in Pakistan.
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Oct 27, 2014 10:24pm
@Ahmer
May be I agree with you ----- but you have to understand, it's not PTI -- it's the general sentiment against PMLN and PPP - when are they gonna learn to stay low--- Bilawal should have known that this was not people brought in by PPP in Karachi or larkana.these people have free will ( not like in Pakistan) This might happen again--- if you've noticed PMLN leaders have stopped coming out in public gatherings
So I my view it's his own doing what happened. He is a 26 year old kid who can't speak Urdu can't understand , who is using Bhuttos name trying to be the leader that people don't want --//
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Oct 27, 2014 10:42pm
And the name of Bhutto has been played to incite the Sindhi speaking people for over forty years?
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Oct 27, 2014 11:01pm
Personally, I am not against the division of provinces to make more, God knows we need more provinces and independence in decision making but that should not be one the basis of caste or religion, or even the immigration status. In my opinion, the term Muhajir does not exist anymore, seeing that the actual muhajirs are very few and very old in age. I respect every sect in Pakistan but the newer generations in Pakistan whose parents migrated are no more muhajir than I am. Born in Pakistan and lived there makes them just as integral a part of the country as any one living in that area for generations. Muhajirs have to drop the term in order to be not discriminated against. Yes divide Sindh by all means, but don't make another province just for Muhajirs
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Oct 27, 2014 11:09pm
As long as Aitzaz Ahsan gets his crumbs, his loyalties are to the PPP leadership (corrupt or inept).
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Oct 27, 2014 11:12pm
Why is Bilawal Zardari the best choice to lead Pakistan? I ask Mr. Aitzaz Ahsan ! Does he have a logical answer? except in my view PPP is not fighting the war of ideas, and just hopes to use the "bhutto" name to whip up support in Sindh and maybe rest of the country. What a circus !
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Oct 27, 2014 11:21pm
i am a staunch PTI supporter and believe PTI should not allow people from within its ranks or Sh. Rasheed to use fowl language against other leaders. i also agree with Ch. Aitezaz that MQM is unnecessarily playing ethnic card.
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Oct 27, 2014 11:32pm
MQM and PPP best described as Tom and Gerry, both fight when audience is there and become friends when there is no audience.
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Oct 27, 2014 11:51pm
MQM has been holding the descendants of Urdu Speaking Migrants as Hostage for last 67 years. MQM has been using the term Muhajir to blackmail the local population. There were more Muhajir's from Punjab, however, they never called themselves as Muhajir, they became Pakistanis. I am 100% sure 100% of Urdu speaking people consider them as Pakistanis, however, it is MQM that continues to label them as Muhajir for hostage and blackmail purposes.
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Oct 27, 2014 11:58pm
It is hard to pay attention to these 60, 70 and 80 year old wise-owls that are latching on to a 25 year old for their own political future and survival.
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Oct 28, 2014 12:00am
Twenty administrative units should be created without disturbing the four provinces. Part of powers transferred to provinces under 18 amendment be given to administrative units having elected assemblies and protected under constitution.
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Oct 28, 2014 12:01am
@Imran well said new administrative units ned of the hour
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Oct 28, 2014 12:26am
@Fawad Ahmed : Had sheikh said something very cool, you would have loved to associate him with PTI. I respect everyone's opinions including yours and I support neither PPP, MQM, PML (n) nor PTI or any other party but dear atm Sheikh Rasheed more or less seems to be a part of PTI and shares almost every stage with Khan, as the latter has no issues with whatever language Sheikh is using until he is within his 'Azadi' fold. So Khan should see what sort of culture he is promoting.
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Oct 28, 2014 12:52am
@Naveed Very well-said. Everything you've said is 100% correct. Even when you migrate to a Western country, your children would never call themselves migrants. MQM leadership appears to be carrying chip on their shoulder ALL THE TIME, and pounces on every opportunity where they can throw a tantrum!!! I am NOT a PPP supporter, but CAN'T IMAGINE any grown-up person would find any malafide, or take offence to what Khursheed Shah said! Unfortunately, someone, living outside Pakistan, with no day-job, has too much time at hand, and too worried about him remaining relevant!!!
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Oct 28, 2014 01:00am
@Saima Khan I thought MQM was Muthaida Qaumi Movement, most of the MQM leaders are born in Pakistan. How can they call themselves Mohajir? MQM is using this to incite violence and divide people more, instead of accepting themselves as Pakistani's.
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Oct 28, 2014 01:03am
He is 100 percent right.
In fact, MQM is exploiting the word "Mohajir" in order to safeguard, reinforce, protect and promote its political, financial social and vested interests.
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Oct 28, 2014 01:24am
Aitazaz has no credibility any more he accepted in the parliament that election was rigged and then he said he will continue to support the PM came via rigged election. I guess no matter where are you educated from once you are associated with corrupt you become corrupt yourself.
Any one who accept Bilawal as their chairman need to get his brain checked. how can he be the chairman of the party with out proving that he deserve to be a chairman.
This is more like Jahil loog obeying master without questions it
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Oct 28, 2014 01:26am
Needs more provinces on administration lines. It will eliminate hate between provinces, current we are proud Sindhi, Balochi, Phattan & Punjabi but we are not proud Pakistani. Currently boundaries are based on ethnic background. We give favor to people from our own ethnic background. This is Stone Age culture, we have to come out from this. I urged rulers to create 20 provinces, so everyone will feel proud Pakistani.
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Oct 28, 2014 01:49am
@Saima Khan
Totally agree
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Oct 28, 2014 01:52am
@syed wasim haider
what you have just said it's not true. I know the truth and I know him well. very well
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Oct 28, 2014 02:07am
@Naveed
I don't understand why other ethnics call themselves Punjabi,sindhi,pathan,baluchi, why why why why whyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy?
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Oct 28, 2014 03:00am
Yes Mr Ahsan they are using the word like you use the word 'shaheed' for all PPP people who have passed away (taking in account the religious importance of the word shaheed) and like you use your slogan of 'roti, kapra aur makan' every election to fool poor people. So why using a word makes them bad and not you?
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Oct 28, 2014 03:23am
PPP says they are being pushed to wall; MQM says they are being pushed to wall. Who really being pushed to wall? The poor people of Pakistan!
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Oct 28, 2014 03:28am
A person like Mr Aitzaaz Ahsan should have been chairperson of PPP but for dynastic politics and ethnic factor he will never reach that level of hierarchy in PPP.
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Oct 28, 2014 03:35am
Aitzaz Ahsan has told the truth.
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Oct 28, 2014 04:09am
@trend Awwwwwww , thank you for standing up for me!
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Oct 28, 2014 04:52am
@yarana@hotmail.com
Because they are. Nothing wrong in it as long as they think themselves as Pakistani. Why not?
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Oct 28, 2014 05:06am
MR @ D what are you guys proud of "we are proud Sindhi, Balochi, Phattan & Punjabi but we are not proud Pakistani"?
Have you guys done anything incredible in the world. Have you guys went to the space or touched the moon?
Check your Sindhi, Balochi, Phattan & Punjabi history and tell me why are you proud?
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Oct 28, 2014 05:11am
@Imran
totally agree
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Oct 28, 2014 05:22am
Shaheed is a religious title , PPP gives this title to all non religious people
so let them say mohajir to themselves , what is a problem to others? Don't you say yourself Punjabi, mQm did not make issue on it , what is the problem with you if they say themselves mohajir , they are not saying to you
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Oct 28, 2014 06:56am
creating the big issue in pakistan it is cause of use insulting language and blame to one and others as we are crowed and leaders are playing game no matter no care care about awam so it is awful and shameless thinking of our leaders some time pti some time ppp everyone playing negative role if you are positive leaders so must be you thinking positively if you want really and peaceful pakistan so keep and save in you mined no one can beat you with his rubbish language .leaders are noble man. and we all belongs to with islamic country
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Oct 28, 2014 06:57am
:)
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Oct 28, 2014 06:58am
I don't know why MQM has started to open the Pandora of independence.If that is the case,then the very question will arise that what rule US played in creation of Pakistan .whether Pakistan and at same time Israel was created to stop Russia from warm waters.who forced Nehru to disapprove Mohammad Ali Jinnah who was nominated as PM for undivided India by mahatma Gandhi,thus paving the way for creation of Buffer state.what was the role of Agha khan senior(Her majesty man) in bringing Jinnah back from London to India to lead the way for separation .I went to British museum in London to see myself The record,which now displayed for Public and thereafter challenge Wali khan statement which he made regarding creation of Pakistan in early 70"s.tthat time with heavy heart I have to concur with Wali khan and what was shocking that there is number of evidences that the only muslim english daily was funded by then British Govt and certain Muslims organisations in early days of movement.
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Oct 28, 2014 12:00pm
Mr Aitzaz Ahsan is very far from being perfect but he is the most able figure as Pakistan's potential Prime Minister who never will be one.
He has a wider perspective than the others.
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Oct 28, 2014 12:04pm
Dear Mr. Ahsan, You are probably a good lawyer, and an unquestioning supporter of the PPP. Former is OK but the later is truly indefensible. But you are you and nothing can change that. However your statements in respect of politics of Sindh show that you have no ideas how the Urdu-speaking minority has been marginalized and is on the verge of strangulation by the majority. You have no idea how discriminatory and contrary to human rights conventions are the laws and practices of province Sindhi. You being a lawyer have a duty above others to uphold constitution and justice but you are oblivious to facts to the point of shamefulness. Thank you sir.
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Oct 30, 2014 06:09pm
Isn't a lawyer is supposed to always talk truth and not blindly support corrupt PPP party
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