KARACHI, Aug 10: Leader of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement Altaf Hussain has lashed out at what he termed "so-called mullahs" and accused them of supporting dictators and oppressive rulers and serving the vested interests of the super powers by exploiting religion and the spirit of jihad.

He was speaking to participants of the party's 9th annual convention via telephone in Houston. Mr Hussain held the "so-called mullahs" responsible for the pathetic state of affairs in Pakistan.

Mr Al Green, Mr Richard Morrison, Mr Masroor Javed Khan and Dr Farooq Sattar, Parliamentary Leader of the MQM in the National Assembly also addressed the gathering.

Mr Hussain termed it imperative for everyone to demonstrate religious tolerance and show respect for humanity. Mr Hussain criticized those who talk of religion but do not practice it themselves.

Highlighting contradictions in American foreign policy, he said that the United States supported monarchs, dictators and oppressive rulers in the third world, adding that the Muslim rulers did not act any different at all.

Speaking to the representative of the US Congress and other dignitaries present in the convention, Mr Hussain appealed to the American establishment and the people at the helm of affairs to reshape the US foreign policies and instead of supporting the monarchical, dictatorial and oppressive governments, they should support the genuine representatives of the people which would not only be beneficial for the peoples of the world but also be in the interests of the United States.

He said that it was the right time to ponder about who created Taliban, Al Qaeda and other extremists groups and on whose support these terrorist groups have today become monsters.

He stressed that innocent Muslims were not responsible for the creation of these extremists outfits. Ordinary Muslims were not against Christians or people belonging to other faiths. Therefore, he said, the branding of all Muslims as religious terrorists would be wrong.

He stressed the need for the people of all religions and faith to demonstrate tolerance. Mr Altaf Hussain said that the MQM was struggling against religious fanaticism and extremism besides standing shoulder to shoulder with the international community in the war against terrorism.