KARACHI, March 8: Chief of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement Altaf Hussain on Wednesday demanded amendment to the constitution for abolition of all laws discriminatory against women in order to grant the womenfolk equal rights in the society.

He vowed to continue his efforts until this objective was achieved and an egalitarian welfare society was established where women were able to lead their life without any fear.

Mr Hussain was addressing the general meeting of the MQM’s women wing, on the occasion of the International Women’s Day, at the Khurshid Begum Memorial Hall, Azizabad.

He said that the MQM was the only party which had not only created awareness among women, but was also striving for their due rights.

He said that the government should make legislation against those who were not allowing women to cast their votes. Such people, he added, should not be granted the right to vote.

Mr Hussain criticized religious parties’ leaders, saying that they would interpret Quranic verses regarding women’s rights according to their shallow thoughts.

He said that Islam did not forbid women from working with men, nor did it lock women in their houses. He recalled that in the era of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), women became scholars and also participated in wars.

He said that the PPP and MMA could not take practical steps for women rights, rather, they supported anti-women stands.

He declared that the MQM would continue its struggle till the elimination of all evils and discriminatory customs and legislations. He said that MQM had also raised its voice against the Hudood Ordinance and karo-kari.

Mr Hussain said that MQM supported grant of equal and due rights, as well as job opportunities, to women.

He lauded efforts by the MQM women wing in this regard, saying that during the 1992 army operation, the women workers of the party fought with courage and never bowed dawn against the despotic regime’s policies.

CONGRATULATES: Chief of the Muttahida Quami Movement Altaf Hussain has congratulated the party’s candidate who emerged successful in the March 6 Senate election, adds APP.

He called Dr Abdul Khaliq Pirzada, Syed Tahir Mashhadi and Ahmed Ali from London to congratulate him, a statement issued here on Tuesday said.

He also felicitated MQM coordination committee members and MPAs in Sindh.

He impressed upon the new MQM Senators to express their opinion and raise their voice in the Senate without any fear to ensure resolution of the problems being faced by the country and its people.