KARACHI, Jan 16: Muttahida Qaumi Movement chief Altaf Hussain on Wednesday called for talks between India and Pakistan in view of the “grave situation” on the borders.

“Any irresponsible action by either side may have serious repercussions as both the countries were nuclear powers and it would not be a normal war,” said Mr Hussain.

He urged both the countries to withdraw their troops at least 10 miles and start a dialogue in order to resolve the Kashmir dispute.

Pakistan and India have fought three wars but gained nothing. “The country is wasting a major chuck of national exchequer in the name of defence,” he said while addressing an Eid Milan on phone from London, arranged by MQM’s legal aid committee at Karachi Press Club.

He maintained that declaring the LoC as a permanent border would enable Pakistan to save a huge amount.

He called for provision of “justice for all” and viewed that injustice and sense of deprivation would give birth to criminals.

“When a person is not provided with his basic right of justice, subjected to imprisonment without committing any crime while another person having charges of committing major crimes is released, it would definitely lead to unrest among them,” he added.

Citing the example of former premier that despite being charged, he got released, he refereed to a number of cases of MQM activists who were in prison without any trial.

He was of the view that judiciary be independent and be given supreme authority as noting was above the law.

He lauded the government’s decision to curb extremism but suggested to take action against the “factories” which were responsible for the creation of such elements.

“I would also talk to the Indian officials during my visit to India about growing Hindu extremism,” he maintained.

Replying a question about participation in the election, he said no final decision had been taken but if elections would be fair and transparent, they would take part.—PPI