WASHINGTON: Muttahida Qaumi Movement has urged President Barack Obama to use his influence to end what it termed victimisation of its workers in Karachi.
At a Saturday evening protest outside the White House, MQM workers claimed that the government was targeting the people of Karachi because they supported their party.
They also urged lawmakers to raise the issue in the US Congress and also with visiting Pakistani officials “to end the atrocities being committed against Mohajirs”.
The party workers also expressed their full confidence in Altaf Hussain and pledged to continue their struggle under his leadership.
Published in Dawn, July 27th, 2015
On a mobile phone? Get the Dawn Mobile App: Apple Store | Google Play
Read more
On DawnNews
Comments (96) Closed
Hashim
Jul 27, 2015 07:28am
The irony. People protesting in Washington on the call of a man in London to solve problems in Karachi.
68 years on, after the passing of one complete generation, these people are still "Mohajirs"??? How long will they keep discriminating themselves, and when will they become PAKISTANI?? And what is the struggle that they have vowed to continue?? What are they aiming for?? Why don't they just join the mainstream and work hand-in-hand with all other people towards creating a better society ???
Recommend
0
Zoab Khan
Jul 27, 2015 07:59am
All 10 people showed up. lol.
Babar Ghauri is in Houston. Did he bother showing up?
Recommend
0
Shahid USA
Jul 27, 2015 07:59am
What goes around comes around if you harm people you can't get away even Obama can't help
Recommend
0
Salman
Jul 27, 2015 08:03am
No mention of the number of people who attended this protest?
Recommend
0
Ahmed
Jul 27, 2015 08:04am
How long are you going stay Muhajirs? You are Muhajirs in U.S. too. Why don't you do what you do in Karachi and see what kind of treatment you receive.
Recommend
0
tom
Jul 27, 2015 08:07am
Thats very good STEP, Americans should know where their funds are spent. They will keep this in mind when issuing next installment of AID
Recommend
0
jeet
Jul 27, 2015 08:12am
@Salman at least 10,you can tell from the picture
Recommend
0
Blue Saffron
Jul 27, 2015 08:13am
As far as I am concerned MQM should be banned. Moreover all the sardars/leaders hiding abroad and working against the interests of the people of Pakistan should be charged with treason and stripped of their citizenship.
Recommend
0
Tariq K Sami
Jul 27, 2015 08:17am
Time to listen to Ustaad Amanat Ali's song Aye Waatan Piyary Wataan Pak Waatan...
and clear the fog in the head of so many ; you cannot rule Karachi from Nawabshah,Lahore or Islamabad. Power must belong to the people. The Police must come under the City Government or the Mayor. Karachi is a Mega City just like New York and London or Mumbai so why treat it differently.
Recommend
0
sadaat.
Jul 27, 2015 08:21am
Americans are not naives. They know that MQM has got a militant wing, holding karachi peace at knife edge , for years.
Recommend
0
Mohammad Khan
Jul 27, 2015 08:27am
Surprise , what president of United States has to do with the internal affairs of Pakistan,above it is United States who want Pakistan to fight against terrorism it is exercise in futile
Recommend
0
Akil Akhtar
Jul 27, 2015 08:33am
@Tariq K Sami You should not be able to rule Karachi from London also....
Recommend
0
hamza
Jul 27, 2015 08:33am
what a bunch of losers
Recommend
0
Syed
Jul 27, 2015 08:34am
This is just CRAZY.
Recommend
0
ND
Jul 27, 2015 08:35am
Have they did this kind of protest while favoring Pakistan ?whenever it was needed or in Public Favor too ?
Recommend
0
Rahi
Jul 27, 2015 08:38am
How many of them in the picture got plots from china cutting?
Recommend
0
Karachiwala
Jul 27, 2015 08:44am
@hamza what would you say about PTI and their protests?
Recommend
0
M. Rizwan
Jul 27, 2015 08:45am
Are they protesting against the improved law and order situation in Karachi?
Recommend
0
Changez_Khan
Jul 27, 2015 08:45am
Very funny these guys are asking Obama to rescue them. Why don't they ask their leader in London to rescue them who has suspended them.
Recommend
0
Karachiwala
Jul 27, 2015 08:45am
@Akil Akhtar that's what we are demanding local government local governance...
Recommend
0
DawnReader
Jul 27, 2015 08:45am
Hahaha. I saw these people today.
Recommend
0
Syed s hanif.
Jul 27, 2015 08:45am
It wasn't long a go when wikki leaks disclose the Email of US counselor in Karachi,to state department. He mentioned that MQM is involved in ransom, extortion killing and other criminal activity.
Recommend
0
Ashraf
Jul 27, 2015 09:10am
What a joke. As if Obama has nothing else to do.
Recommend
0
SiD
Jul 27, 2015 09:15am
FOR REAL?? now you want US to interfere in our INTERNAL MATTERS??
Recommend
0
Sridhar
Jul 27, 2015 09:15am
If anyone has visited the White House, you will notice an assorted number of protests in form posters, banners and some protesters. For most people, both inside and outside the White House, these protests are just a tad bit entertaining. No tears are shed. Nothing changes despite some of them parking there for months. The MQM protesters also know how ineffective their protests are. Obama does not give a damn. Nor do anyone else except the protesters who can now send selfies to their leader at large, to prove their loyalty to him. Nothing more. Nothing less.
Recommend
0
MAlvi
Jul 27, 2015 09:19am
MQM is a desease. There are some Pakistani people in America also, who are suffering from it.
Recommend
0
ukz
Jul 27, 2015 09:24am
Social media n BBC exposed real face of MQM. The time is here now. You won't find refuge anywhere. Good going rangers. Clean this mess
Recommend
0
KeyPoints
Jul 27, 2015 09:26am
Guess who have destroyed many lives in Karachi, destroyed many families and their aspirations, created a culture of fear and killing streets, given rise to bhatta khores, target killers and participated in systematic destruction of institutions, and became an accomplice to destruction of quality of life in Karachi? May Almighty destroy those who have destroyed Karachi.
Recommend
0
Asim
Jul 27, 2015 09:30am
One of the play card reads: MQM wont support pro ISIS or Al Qaida forces. Whose supporting both these in Pak? I had my doubts about the sanity of MQM supports, today i am clear. Get a life MQM supports.
Recommend
0
Naseer
Jul 27, 2015 09:31am
Copy Cat , what PTI did yesterday at 10 dowing street Mqm did same , it seems Mqm don't have there own ideas
Recommend
0
AW
Jul 27, 2015 09:37am
Does not make sense that Pakistani political parties hold rallies and demonstrations in foreign capitals and the Pakistani political leaders run their parties from abroad - Unique!
Recommend
0
Muhammad Ateeq
Jul 27, 2015 09:38am
what's wrong with MQM, why they are asking international community for help rather settling issues at home. Their moves are utterly damaging Pakistan's image internationally.
Recommend
0
Cyrus
Jul 27, 2015 09:42am
@MAlvi .... The disease is ignorance.
Recommend
0
Shaukat Ali Khan
Jul 27, 2015 09:47am
How far the supporters of the criminals would go?
Recommend
0
Akil Akhtar
Jul 27, 2015 09:48am
Before the Mohajirs (self claimed) complain of discrimination can they show us how many Sindhis, Punjabis, Pathans and Baloch are given jobs in karachi by them. While mohajirs have had higher representation in bureaucracy, military top brass etc compared to their population. I would know as I have seen it first hand.
Recommend
0
KeyPoints
Jul 27, 2015 09:55am
Please, no bhatta khori there. Laws are very strict. Long jail times.
Recommend
0
JHK
Jul 27, 2015 09:57am
Somebody asked the right question here. Hiw long will you be muhagirs and not Pakistanies ?
My family also migrated from India to Pakistan. How cone we dont call ourselves muhajirs?? I was born in 60s as a pakistani citizen -- not a muhajir.
OK. There may be an issue with sindhi speaking vs urdu speaking --- but dont call your selves muhajir. Because if you consider yourself muhajir -- automatically means not pakistani. And besides --- how can you be muhajir if you are born here??
Recommend
0
Muhammad
Jul 27, 2015 09:58am
I would protest too if I lose my income. MQM is protesting to get their "income " back !
Recommend
0
Sonny Afridi
Jul 27, 2015 09:58am
@Salman a tiny irrelevant crowd of paid protestors.
Recommend
0
zahid khan
Jul 27, 2015 10:02am
Sure. 12 people with 24 flags should convince everyone to stop the operation against economic terrorism.
Recommend
0
czar
Jul 27, 2015 10:07am
@Akil Akhtar your comment " While mohajirs have had higher representation in bureaucracy, military top brass etc compared to their population. I would know as I have seen it first hand."
What era are you talking about? 1950's , 1960's or may be 1970's but not after. Sadly, that era also coincides with golden era of pakistan when muhajir ran the national institution with sincerity, honesty and integrity.
Recommend
0
M.Malik
Jul 27, 2015 10:19am
Only God himself may save MQM - except what is destined.
Everything that has a beginning, has an end!
Recommend
0
no comments
Jul 27, 2015 10:19am
to whom are you going to complain?Israel,India,Russia,China or the UN.Stop this drama.
Recommend
0
usman
Jul 27, 2015 10:24am
nothing gonna save you now, you deserve this all
Recommend
0
KHI91
Jul 27, 2015 10:27am
Should it be MQM or 10 people?
Recommend
0
Naqeeb
Jul 27, 2015 10:40am
I would suggest a simple solution to MQM to please cooperate with law enforcement agencies and bring your clean workers in the party instead of protesting everywhere.
Recommend
0
ovais
Jul 27, 2015 10:50am
What a joke!
Recommend
0
Concerned Pakistani
Jul 27, 2015 10:53am
@Muhammad Ateeq Because nobody is ready to listen to them here.
Recommend
0
Concerned Pakistani
Jul 27, 2015 10:56am
@JHK If punjabi speaking can be called punjabi and still he is Pakistani, if sindhi speaking is called sindhi and still he is Pakistan then why urdu speaking being called Muhajir cannot be Pakistani? can you explain?
Recommend
0
Awais
Jul 27, 2015 10:57am
Good joke.... Keep it up MQM, no one will listen to you....
Recommend
0
Talha
Jul 27, 2015 11:20am
LOL. What is up with Muhajir nationalism. Such a failed attempt. Karachi is all of Pakistan's.
Recommend
0
Concerned Pakistani
Jul 27, 2015 11:23am
@Naqeeb Kindly suggest the Rangers to abide by the law and do not torture the suspects. Do the interrogation and present the case to courts for justice. Use of force will only increase hatred and militancy will increase. Saner elements go on back foot by use of force.
Recommend
0
AH
Jul 27, 2015 11:25am
Why we don't see such protests against corruption, looting, and bad governance!
Recommend
0
AH
Jul 27, 2015 11:28am
@Gary yes, by good governance please, by making Karachi a hub of best education in Asia please, and not by substituting weapons in young men's hand for books please. If MQM can do this, I bet MQM will rule Pakistan and I can be proud of Karachi from the bottom of my heart. Long live MQM, long live Pakistan.
Recommend
0
abc
Jul 27, 2015 11:35am
@Salman 10
Recommend
0
ibrahim marghoob
Jul 27, 2015 12:04pm
@concerned pakistani....well how can you claim that mohajir and sindi or punjabi are equal in terms of meaning. Former is a term used for people migrating or who have migrated. Latter is the term used to describe an ethnic background. Not all mohajirs are urdu speaking. And the point being raised is that how many of current mqm workers were actually born in india and migrated to pakistan. I think more than 90 percent are born in pakistan hence no longer mohajirs.
Recommend
0
Imtiaz
Jul 27, 2015 12:28pm
@karachiwala it is a metropolitan city it has to be ruled like any other city of country. There is no special treatment. Mohajir are no more in Pakistan, their forefathers migrated, and are not only in Karachi spread all over Pakistan mostly in Punjab.
Recommend
0
AH
Jul 27, 2015 12:32pm
@Concerned Pakistani Its due to the mother language. If I can speak the mother language whatever it is Pushto/Sindhi/Punajbi/Punjabi/Urdu/French/Bengali/Arabic etc I can be called as Pathan/Sindhi/French etc. even if I am not born in KPK/Sindh/France etc. Moreover, a Pathan, for eg, in Karachi born and brought in Karachi for the last few generations can still be called as Pathan because he can speak mother tongue Pushto. But if he has lost the mother tongue and only speak Urdu, he is more often called as "Urdu speaking" than pathan. Language is the part of the culture and not the place that goes along where you go. There are Punjabi, French, Urdu speaking, Arabic in the USA; they are they because they speak the mother tongue and not that there are Punjab, France etc in the USA.
So mother tongue (culture) is the one which distinguishes us and not the place. Funny to use the word mujahir for Urdu Speaking, which neither is used for place of birth nor for language.
Recommend
0
Sab Se Pehle Pakistan
Jul 27, 2015 12:41pm
This current so called operation going on in Karachi is biased and politicized with only single agenda of eliminating a nominated democratic party. Unfortunately no one is listening to the pleas of MQM and its workers. Even a child knows that this operation is not happening accross the board. MQM has the right to raise their concerns internationally when no one is willing to listen locally.
Recommend
0
Hussain
Jul 27, 2015 01:15pm
@Gary : Being a citizen, i tell you that you are totally wrong.
Recommend
0
Imran ahmed
Jul 27, 2015 01:34pm
So , MQM using popular hate form of ISIS and Al-Qaeda for our brave Pakistani Soldiers also. See the placard with MQM workers on USA street. MQM supremo is sitting in UK with this cabinet.
Is this patriotism ??
Recommend
0
Muhammad
Jul 27, 2015 01:50pm
Continued----
All Karachiites are supporting Armed Forces for the operation cleanup but with no discrimination. specially we are looking forward to see the operation clean up against all banned outfits operating in the city with out any fear. How come the militants of SSP/LeJ/ Talibans are roaming around freely in the city and involved in Brutal attacks like Safoora. which of the seminary is banned and closed for good ? How many Mullas are brought to justice for spreading hate ? As I said do not discriminate a terrorist by just tagging it to any political party. Do eliminate terror by fair trial of people involved in it not by just abusing someone.
Recommend
0
Muhammad
Jul 27, 2015 01:55pm
I am not supporting the protest of MQM infront of US congress or Obama but do they have any choice left with in the country specially when everyone from media to Government be it Provincial or Federal government seems against them and not listening their genuine complaints. Mr. Altaf Hussain has appealed to PM, CM Sindh & even to COAS many times to listen his genuine complaints but in vain so what should some one do if felt to be cornered or unheard. Justice should prevail but not the selective or bias one.
Recommend
0
Haider Rehman
Jul 27, 2015 02:19pm
So MQM is pleading USA ro interfere in Pakistan, and stop Karachi's move to better security sutuation?
Recommend
0
lafanga
Jul 27, 2015 02:23pm
@Tariq K Sami "you cannot rule Karachi from Nawabshah,Lahore or Islamabad"
Nawabshah, Lahore and Islamabad are much closer to Karachi than London.
Recommend
0
Dr Ahmad - Melbourne
Jul 27, 2015 02:29pm
These protesters are the ones who applied for asylum visa in USA and now their refugee visa will surely be issued, after this fake protest.
Recommend
0
imran ali
Jul 27, 2015 02:45pm
so what does it mean????
mean that MQM is being supprted by these forces in past and now they are trying to compel USA to use its influence.
the issue with MQM is pakitan interbal matter and obama has nothing yo do with it
Recommend
0
azi
Jul 27, 2015 02:52pm
@Concerned Pakistani
....which land are you living in .....If pakistani courts were so capable we would have no problems...give nothing to civilian courts only army courts we trust.
Recommend
0
Ali Kazmi
Jul 27, 2015 03:25pm
My father migrated from India ...... I am NOT a Mohajir. I am a Karachiwala but I dont support MQM. I am a Pakistani first then anything else.
Recommend
0
Sher khan
Jul 27, 2015 03:30pm
I live in Washington DC, no more than 2 dozen people showed up... It doesn't talk about how those two dozen people were cursed by passing by Pakistanis Americans ...
Recommend
0
TAK
Jul 27, 2015 03:32pm
Disgraceful Act
Recommend
0
Umer
Jul 27, 2015 03:51pm
I believe that majority of you Mahajirs are highly qualified. Why don't you people understand that Mr. Altaf is playing Mahajir card to trap you people. Why don't you become Pakistani rather than sticking with your Mahjirism. The day you will become Pakistani, whole nation will stand beside you. Please stop blaming our armed forces. Our army is our pride and anyone who will talk against this respected institution, he/she will not be tolerated. Are all the media reports wrong which prove that your party members had been getting training in India? For God sake, think and use your common sense and reject such type of politics and play your positive role in the development of Pakistan.
Recommend
0
Concerned Pakistani
Jul 27, 2015 03:55pm
@azi Without justice nations cannot survive. Be ready for the disaster.
Recommend
0
pakistani
Jul 27, 2015 04:06pm
10 ppl. what a protest mqm now on deathrow
Recommend
0
Azmeen
Jul 27, 2015 04:11pm
Obama knows that MQM always victimizes the Karachi people.
Recommend
0
TARIQ SHAHID
Jul 27, 2015 04:22pm
For those who are harping the trumpet of Pakistan-ism.Remember how Mother of nation Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah was treated by Ayub Khan. She was declared Indian and American agent and how she was disgraced, who raised voice for her.It was Karachi urdu speaking people stood by her.No Pathan no Sindhi no Punjabi no Balochi came for her. Us waqt kahan mar gai thi tum logon ki Pakistaniat.
Recommend
0
Karachiite
Jul 27, 2015 04:25pm
lol - so after Bhai called for help from the RAW, now they want Mr. Obama to come for their rescue.
They call themselves patriotic?
Recommend
0
Amir
Jul 27, 2015 04:27pm
and drama serial goes on and on.
Recommend
0
El Cid
Jul 27, 2015 04:27pm
@SiD:"now you want US to interfere in our INTERNAL MATTERS??"
You must be kidding. The US tells you what to think. Period.
Recommend
0
Hatim Allvi
Jul 27, 2015 04:28pm
What about PUNJAB which is only for Punjabi, KP for pathan, Balochistan for Baloch and why the Karachi is for all. Why the Mohajir is not the SHO of Pnjab, KP or Balochistan and why other peoples are ruling Karachi. It will definitely result as Bngaldesh.
Recommend
0
vicky
Jul 27, 2015 04:32pm
MQM very well know who is the real boss and is in charge of the country....right forum to approach man!!!
Recommend
0
Pervert Caretti
Jul 27, 2015 04:33pm
UASS cannot resolve issues related to its own minorities.
Recommend
0
M. Siddique
Jul 27, 2015 04:49pm
@Karachiwala, I have not seen PTI protesting in Washington DC.
Recommend
0
Abdul Basit
Jul 27, 2015 07:42pm
@TARIQ SHAHID
I voted for Fatima Jinnah from Lahore.
She had support all over West Pakistan and East Pakistan.
Recommend
0
Abdul Basit
Jul 27, 2015 08:19pm
@Sab Se Pehle Pakistan
The current operation by The Sindh Rangers, is designed to make MQM pure.
The remaining MQM, after cleaning of the criminals, will be more powerful.
MQM, should therfore fully support this operation.
Same statement is true for PPP too.
Recommend
0
Big Brother
Jul 27, 2015 08:28pm
90 percent of the people commuting negative doe not belong to Karachi, I have to doubt about this!
Recommend
0
gerry dcunha
Jul 28, 2015 12:13am
why do these political parties seek help from America and the west or saudia when they are in the opposition - people's party seek help from America from Zia regime for Bhutto and pml seek help from saudia from musharraf?
Recommend
0
imtiaz faruqui
Jul 28, 2015 01:20am
@Blue Saffron All Sardars and Zamindars are not abroad they are in Pakistan and harming the country through crouption since 1947.
Recommend
0
emraan
Jul 28, 2015 01:23am
What they want from Obama. How many lives they want from Karachi. Almost thousands were victimized of there role in Karachi. We do no want politics from abroad .if they are true come to Pakistan and prove them selves. From decades the city of lights and Pakistan economic the city of Karachi is in terrible situations.now in the time of justice they need plea. I salute to pak army and rangers. The only and one solution of the situation is to dissolve MQM..
Recommend
0
Finlandia
Jul 28, 2015 05:40am
How come no Pakistani flag. How come political parties prefer their own party flag over Pakistan flag? Be it PTI, PPP , ML any flavor, MQM etc. Is the loyalty first to the party and Pakistan is the last.
Recommend
0
Akil Akhtar
Jul 28, 2015 09:30am
@Big Brother 1005 of people commenting belong to Pakistan and have a right to comment...
Recommend
0
Akil Akhtar
Jul 28, 2015 09:31am
@Ali Kazmi Well said...wish all other MQM supporters had same logical thinking
Recommend
0
Akil Akhtar
Jul 28, 2015 09:33am
@Sab Se Pehle Pakistan Whether the operation is across the Board or not it is against criminals....so lets not try to deflect the issue
Recommend
0
Ibaad Nadeem
Jul 28, 2015 01:42pm
Lol.... soon Mqm will start protesting on Mars along with aliens...
Recommend
0
holysmoke
Jul 30, 2015 10:33am
The 'mohajir' migrated to Pakistan at partition. Then they fled to Western countries. They are still active in Pakistan politics. Their leader Altaf is conducting the mohajir symphony from UK. Now the double-mohajirs are in Washington pleading with US leaders to intervene in Pakistan.
Will these mohajirs EVER settle down and become part of the nations of which they have become residents and citizens?
Recommend
0
holysmoke
Jul 30, 2015 10:42am
@Akil Akhtar : Pervez Musharraf, born in Delhi, is a mohajir, no?
Recommend
0