London: The founder and leader of MQM (Muttahida Qaumi Movement), Altaf Hussain, who held Pakistani authorities responsible for their ‘failure’ to quell rioting and protests on May 9, raked up atrocities committed against Bengalis in Bangladesh, erstwhile East Pakistan, by Pakistani army in 1971 to forcefully occupy the independent nation.
He criticised the Pakistan military for its past atrocities in East Pakistan, which led to its separation in 1971.
In a speech in London, where he stays, Hussain said there exists no democracy in Pakistan due to lack of freedom in the semi-military ruled country. He underlined that Pakistan was handed to feudal lords in exchange for their loyalty to the British and that these aristocratic families and dishonest soldiers have continued to impede the progress of the nation.
The MQM supremo refused to be a part of this corrupt system and asserted that his political struggle is for the rights of all marginalised people, including Mohajirs. He argued that abolishing the outdated feudal system is crucial for Pakistan’s stability.
After the former prime minister Imran Khan’s arrest on May 9 this year, violence and rioting broke out across the country. The fury over Khan’s arrest spilled onto the streets as his supporters staged rallies in both big and distant cities. The provincial governments in Balochistan, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Islamabad even had to call in the military to maintain peace and order.
He highlighted the difficulties faced by his own party, MQM, which has endured a military operation to suppress it and witnessed the extrajudicial killings of thousands of its workers. Hussain expressed concern for the oppressed Baloch people in Balochistan and criticised the Pakistan military for its past atrocities in East Pakistan, which led to its separation in 1971.
Furthermore, he said government agencies were responsible behind May 9 violence. Hussain said that the May 9 carnage was the conspiracy that was hatched by the Army and ISI (Inter-Services Intelligence). He claimed that PTI members were being arrested and pressured to abandon their party and join other groups created by the army. He called for a level playing field, requesting equal treatment for all political parties and the lifting of bans on speeches and rallies. Moreover, the MQM leader also paid tribute to the martyrs of his movement, emphasising the unwavering commitment to remembering their sacrifices.
Hussein’s speaking in favour of Imran Khan-led PTI fuelled speculation of coming together of anti-governemnt frces in the restive country when its economy has virtually collapsed making it totally dependent on foreign aids.