KARACHI, May 11: The Muttahida Qaumi Movement announced on Wednesday a countrywide 'referendum' to seek people's opinion on issues concerning sovereignty and integrity of the country in the wake of the Abbottabad operation in which US commandos killed Osama bin Laden.

MQM leader Anis Qaimkhani said at a press conference the country was facing a critical situation and questions were being raised about national security, sovereignty and freedom in the wake of the unilateral US operation.

“There never was as much need of national solidarity as it is today,” he said.

He said that mindful of his duty as a patriotic Pakistani and realising his responsibility to the nation, MQM chief Altaf Hussain had announced a public referendum with a view to steering the country out of the crisis it was facing.

He said Mr Hussain had prepared a 17-point questionnaire for the referendum which began on Wednesday and would continue for one week.

About the referendum process, Mr Qaimkhani said that the questionnaire could be filled in and submitted till May 17 after which information would be collated and announced. He said that boxes had been placed at MQM offices across the country for the purpose.

People have been asked whether in their opinion there was a need to immediately convene a roundtable conference of all national parties, armed forces and intelligence agencies to discuss measures needed to be taking to deal with the aftermath of Osama bin Laden's killing and formulate a national line of action.

Against the backdrop of Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani's visit to France soon after the May 2 US operation in Abbottabad, Mr Hussain has asked the nation whether the presidents and prime ministers of the US, the United Kingdom and Spain had gone on foreign visits immediately after their countries had suffered acts of terrorism or they had cancelled such visits after such incidents.

People have also been asked whether or not citizens of the US, Britain, Spain and other countries demanded resignation or action against the heads of their armed forces and intelligence agencies after terrorist attacks.

The MQM chief also asked the nation if in their opinion drone attacks in the country were being carried out without the consent of armed forces and the government.

Mr Hussain appealed to the nation, political and religious parties and their leaders to end their differences and unite to steer the country out of the present difficult situation. He appealed to the nation to take active part in the referendum.