MQM opposes use of force in Balochistan and Fata

Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain has said that his party is opposed to use of force in Balochistan, Waziristan and Bajur Agency and other tribal areas and wants the issues resolved through negotiations.
The MQM is the first party, which despite being part of the government, has opposed the use of force in Balochistan and Fata and urged the government to resolve the issues through dialogue, said Altaf, in his telephonic address at 'Meet the Press' programme of the Lahore Press Club on Sunday.
Altaf Hussain said the MQM is also the sole party whose leadership said that country's policies should not be aimed at benefiting other countries and called for eliminating the role of military in politics.
He said due to wrong policies of the establishment, we lost East Pakistan. "Today India is ahead of us in every field because in the last 58 years we have been running the country on ad hocism. Soon after the independence, India got rid of feudalism, which strengthened democracy there, while in Pakistan feudal lords continued to rule the country", the MQM chief argued.
Altaf Hussian said that elimination of feudal system is inevitable for bringing true democracy in the country. All the political forces should join hands to block the way of army to enter the corridors of power, he added.
"It is unfortunate that our political parties talk of agitation, but no one has ever asked for changing the system", he said.
He also criticized the role of religious parties, saying they used mosques and innocent people to gain political benefits.
To a question about his home returning plan, MQM chief said he wanted to come back to Pakistan but his party men did want so. "According to my party colleagues I should guide the party while remaining abroad."
About the Kashmir issue, he said that 70 percent of country's total budget is spent on defence, but the Kashmir issue remains unresolved, which is unfortunate.
Answering another question about US-Iran row over nuclear issues, Altaf Hussain said that Pakistan should remain at least neutral, if it could not oppose US.
About the issue of Kalabagh dam, he said as Sindh had reservations over the issue, therefore, MQM opposed it.
Sindh Minister Adil Siddiqui, who was present there, presented a cheque of Rs 500,000 to LPC President Arshad Ansari on behalf of the MQM.