KARACHI, May 29: Muttahida Qaumi Movement founder Altaf Hussain on Monday reiterated his party’s demand for complete autonomy to the provinces and their equal representation in the armed forces and bureaucracy, in letter and spirit, to save Pakistan.

He said this in a telephonic address to a function organised to pay homage to Hasrat Mohani. The function was organised by the Hasrat Mohani Memorial Trust in collaboration with Daira Adab-o-Saqafat International and the Dhaka Group of Educational Institutions on the Arts Council’s premises. It was presided over by renowned poet and scholar Jameeluddin Aali.

Mr Hussain said the MQM’s politics of realism and practicalism was inspired by the personality of Hasrat Mohani, who remained steadfast in his commitment to the freedom struggle.

He demanded that Hasrat Mohani day should be observed officially.

The MQM leader said the country could only be saved by doing away with feudalism and giving equal representation to the provinces not only in the Senate but also in the armed forces, bureaucracy and resources.

Mr Hussain said that because of the MQM’s politics of realism and practicalism, vested interests in Punjab had unleashed propaganda against it but ultimately the party’s message would become popular all over the country, including Punjab.