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Monday, October 31, 2011
MQM rallies to ‘save’ democracy, ZardariKARACHI: In response to show of political muscles to rivals by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) on Friday, Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) took out a mammoth rally in support of President Asif Ali Zardari and democracy on Sunday. Addressing participants of the rally on ‘Stability of Pakistan and Democracy’ organised from Numaish Chowrangi to Tibet Centre at MA Jinnah Road, MQM chief, Altaf Hussain, said people of Sindh had risen above barriers of language and ethnicity in order to demonstrate that they were firmly united for democracy and stood solidly behind Zardari. Altaf said PML-N leaders tried to create an impression that the government was about to fall. He said Shahbaz Sharif got carried away in his zeal for oratory and said that the president and his associates would be hanged at ‘Bhati Gate’. “We do not want to talk about hanging, but we want to make it clear that we will not make a retreat,” he said, adding, Shahbaz raised the slogan of ‘Go Zardari Go’ and hurled abuses. “He could be paid back in the same coin but the sea of people present at Tibet Centre is saying, ‘No Sharif brothers No’. “Sindh is the land of peace and tranquility and hence they cannot use inappropriate language like the Punjab chief minister did,” he added. Altaf asked PML-N leaders to wait and contest the forthcoming elections, adding they could come to power if people supported them in the polls. “People will not support undemocratic and autocratic steps,” he warned. “Zardari faced incarceration for more than 11 years whereas as the Sharif brothers begged forgiveness from the generals within a fortnight and off went to Jeddah,” he recalled. Altaf said Shahbaz should first provide justice to daughter of the nation and his daughter-in-law before seeking justice for others. “Heirs of the Raiwind Estate are living the life of profligate Mughal princes, and they want to tell to the world that they live in small houses and sustain themselves by eating dried bread with water,” he remarked. He declared that people were united in defence of democracy and democratic process in the country. “MQM, PPP, PML-Q and other political forces that believe in democracy will strengthen democracy and raise their voices against undemocratic methods,” he said. He asked leaders of PPP, PML-Q and ANP to come to Karachi and organise a rally to make Karachi a citadel of peace and tranquility. “The country is passing through most critical juncture and hence PPP, PML-Q, MQM and ANP should try to resolve their differences through dialogues and understanding,” he said, adding, “Internal and external conspiracies are at work against the country and hence Pakistan and democracy should be protected at all costs.” masroor afzal pasha
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk