KARACHI, Feb 13: Muttahida Qaumi Movement chief Altaf Hussain has urged all political and religious parties to observe polling day on February 18 as the Day of Democracy (Yaum-i-Jamhooriat) to initiate a new era of peace and solidarity.

He also appealed to all parties, as well the office-bearers and workers of the MQM, to play their role in making the Feb 18 polls peaceful and to avert confrontations.

He said this while speaking from London over the telephone to four big public meetings organised by the MQM in connection with its election campaign. The meetings were held at the F.C. Area Ground in Liaquatabad; R.R. Memorial Ground in Landhi; Al-Beruni Ground, Saeedabad in Baldia Town, and the Delhi Colony ground along Chaudhry Khaliquzzaman Road.

Carrying the tri-coloured party flags, MQM workers and supporters took out rallies in different city areas to reach the venues of the meetings. A large number of women and children were also present at the meetings, where Mr Hussain’s speech was simultaneously aired from London.

Strict security measures were in place at the four public meetings. People were subjected to body searches by MQM workers before allowing them to enter the venues.

“I appeal to all political and religious parties to observe Feb 18 as the day of democracy, peace and solidarity,” he said.

Mr Hussain urged all parties to accept the results of the election with an open heart and provide an opportunity to the winning party to form government.He also called upon the government and the authorities concerned to immediately end the operation in Swat, North and South Waziristan and Balochistan and initiate dialogue to resolve critical issues. “Everyone living in these areas is a Pakistani and our brother. Therefore, instead of using state power against them a dialogue process must be initiated.”

He said the name of the North-West Frontier Province be changed to Pakhtunkhwa or Pushtunkhwa as per the desire of the people of the province.

He said the MQM would promote religious harmony.