KARACHI, Dec 18: In a policy statement released from London and Karachi on Sunday night, Muttahida Qaumi Movement made its stand on Kalabagh dam clear, saying it would not support it whatever the cost. This decision was taken after a prolonged session of the party’s Coordination Committee during which MQM leader Mr Altaf Hussain sought each and every member’s views. They were unanimous that anything against the interest of Sindh and smaller provinces was unacceptable to the MQM.

The party, its workers and supporters were ready to pay any price for taking the decision, said the announcement..

It recalled that the three minority provinces of the country were against the project. Any decision against the wishes and aspirations of their people will be against democratic principles and, therefore, against the interest of the country and the nation.

The Coordination Committee stressed that people in Sindh were strongly opposed to Kalabagh.

There existed strong sentiments against it. It was the unanimous decision of the people of Sindh that Kalabagh dam should not be built.

The MQM, therefore, assured the people of Sindh that it stood by them and would not take any decision against their aspirations.

The announcement said that Altaf Hussain, after seeking the opinion of the party’s policy planning committee endorsed the decision, and made it clear that the MQM will not go against the opinion of the Sindhi people.

He asked the people of Punjab to try to appreciate the reservations of the smaller provinces and express solidarity with them. Such a stand of the Punjab will strengthen the nation, he said.

It will promote national unity and integrity and will have a far-reaching effect. It would help remove misgivings among the countrymen and contribute to achieving the goal of national unity and cohesion, he said.