Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) on Thursday launched its manifesto for election 2008 with a theme "empowerment for all".
Presenting the manifesto at a crowded press conference here at Lal Qila Ground, deputy convenor MQM Dr Farooq Sattar said that this document calls for complete provincial autonomy, elimination of obsolete feudal system, religious militancy and extremism from Pakistan.
The manifesto has promised provision of jobs, reduction in poverty through various measures, reforms in education, health sectors and reforms in madrassah and agriculture sector. Incharge MQM Co-ordination Committee Anwar Alam, nominated candidates and senior leaders of MQM were also present on the occasion.
Responding to a question, Dr Sattar said that MQM has a clear policy on provincial autonomy and it had also introduced 18th Amendment in the Constitution which not encompasses a complete provincial autonomy but also represents the point of view of Muhammad Ali Jinnah as well as of All India Muslim League.
To a question, he said his party feels that a comprehensive policy is needed to effectively handle the menace of extremism and terrorism in the country especially in the wake of the current situation in the northern areas of Pakistan.
"We have suggested measures in our manifesto to effectively control this ever expanding menace from this country", he added. Dr Sattar said MQM wanted to create a comprehensive system in the country where every Pakistani is empowered and this is the basis of the manifesto.
He said that MQM wanted to remove poverty by increasing social and economical activities. "Our manifesto calls for relief to poor in utility bills, taxes and also mentioned measures for reducing the burden of ever increasing price hike", he opined. Deputy Convenor MQM said that his party would now struggle for controlling price hike in the country.
"MQM will emerge as a large party in the upcoming elections at national level and aims to implement its manifesto in entire Pakistan to benefit people. We have already influenced policies at provincial level in the recent past", he observed. He maintained that MQM has distinction of providing solutions to problems instead of complaining. Dr Sattar said that MQM's manifesto encompass all the challenges facing the country along with their practical solutions.
He said that manifesto has suggested to promote education in the country with establishment of new schools, colleges and universities in cities, towns and villages.
He said MQM wanted to create an enlightened and progressive society in the country by promoting education at every level. He said MQM would set up new health centres in every village and a hospital in every district.
He said that MQM's struggle against the violence against women is known to everybody in the country and the party will continue its strive for providing equal rights for women in every field.
He said that MQM wanted to serve every Pakistani irrespective of colour, origin, or belief. Everybody has a right to prosper, grow, live, acquire education and be happy, he added.