MQM wants democratic, liberal society in Pakistan: Altaf

LONDON: Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain has said that the party wants to end the age-old feudal system and corrupt political culture prevailing in Pakistan.
The MQM wants to lay the foundations of a just, equitable, democratic and liberal society in Pakistan according to the ideals of the founder of Pakistan Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
He expressed these views while addressing gatherings held in more than 40 cities of the US and Canada, including Chicago, New York, Toronto, Calgary and Montreal, in connection with the 31st Foundation Day of the MQM. Hundreds of MQM workers and office-bearers in the USA and Canada attended the gatherings. “We are entirely against imposing our beliefs and our own interpretation of Sharia on other by use of force. We want to give equal rights to people irrespective of the prejudices of caste, colour, creed, language, sect, and religion. “We condemn the killings of innocent Muslims by the Taliban, al-Qaeda, and ISIS. We also condemn the killings of innocent Christians and members of other minority groups in Pakistan by extremist elements.
“We want peaceful relations with neighbouring countries based on mutual respect and dignity.”
Altaf Hussain said: “The MQM will introduce a uniform system of education for all if it came into power. Schools, colleges, hospitals will be built and a network of small industries will be built throughout Pakistan.
“Industrialisation will be facilitated by one-window operation. A quota of 50 per cent will be reserved for women in every sphere of life. Arable land will be distributed among farmers and peasants.”
“Pakistan will be made a weapons-free society like Great Britain. People would be empowered at grassroots level under a functioning Local Government System. Law and order situation will be improved by hiring police at local level,” the MQM chief said.
He demanded of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to give the right to vote and the right to contest elections to overseas Pakistanis.