KARACHI, Feb 3: Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain has said that true democracy alone can save Pakistan and help it join the race for progress.

Unfortunately, the country was yet to enter the 21st century in real sense and lagged far behind the western world, he said on Saturday while addressing the residents of Defence and Clifton areas of Karachi on phone from London. Even India and Bangladesh were far ahead of Pakistan, he lamented.

The MQM chief said end to feudalism and politics of inheritance was a must for Pakistan to make its mark in the comity of nations.

He asked the technocrats living in Defence and Clifton to advise the party on development projects. He said he would arrange their meetings with Sindh Governor Isrhatul Ebad and City Nazim Mustafa Kamal “both of whom had already won the hearts of the people through commitment and dedication”.

He said the MQM meant business and worked round the clock for the betterment and welfare of people.

“Its aim is to help the country progress,” he said.

Mr Hussain Husaid Pakistan had been faced with a critical situation today. The fallout of a possible action against Iran could be dangerous, he said, warning that Pakistan could face a worse situation than Iran.

Under the circumstances, he said, the countrymen needed to keep unity within their ranks and think how best to save the country from external threats.

He said MQM won the hearts of people from Karachi to Azad Kashmir by its actions and deeds. It also won the hearts of the residents of posh areas “which is evident from a huge turnout at tonight's dinner get-together arranged for Capt Akhlaq Hussain, MQM’s nominee for NA-250 by-elections.”—PPI