Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Chairman Altaf Hussain on Thursday said that he held the interests of Pakistan above everything else and was ready to talk to the Taliban for the survival, security, peace and stability of the country.
Talking to the head of FATA Grand Alliance Malik Khan Marjan over telephone, he said, “The forces inimical to Pakistan want to pit us against each other, hence, I appeal to all Taliban leaders, youth, and students to see through the conspiracies of the enemies of Pakistan and take recourse of dialogues instead of resorting to violence. I ask them to hold consultations with tribal elders, dignitaries and other God-fearing people.”
“Islam is the religion of peace and security. It teaches peace, security, love and harmony instead of violence and coercion. Islam enjoins upon us to acquire knowledge. There is a saying of Holy Prophet (PBUH) that acquiring knowledge is mandatory for every man and woman, hence, destroying schools is not right by any standard.”
“We want to bring a system in the country that ushers stability. The army should be in the barracks instead of being present in the Tribal Areas. The local police, forces, and public of the Tribal Areas should be responsible for peace and security in their area. They should be autonomous in conducting their affairs,” Altaf said.
Agreeing with Altaf, Marjan said he believed in dialogue. “Negotiations should be held with tribal elders instead of using power against the youth in the Tribal Areas. They need better counseling. The enemy is using us and causing damage by setting us against each other,” Marjan said.
“Great injustices have been done to the people of FATA. They are deprived and dispossessed. If the people had had their rights, the present problems would not have been there. Some elements want to use FATA reforms for their own illegal and vested interests, but the tribes will assert and maintain their tribal identity.”
Marjan thanked Altaf for raising a voice for Kabailistan province, adding that the way Hussain had spoken about the Kabailistan province along with the creation of Hazara and Seraiki provinces had given strength to their demand.
