HYDERABAD, April 28: Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain has expressed concern over unrest in Balochistan and tribal areas and called for resolving issues through dialogue.

Mr Hussain was addressing a meeting held in Latifabad on Friday in connection with the election campaign for Mohammad Pervez Qureshi, MQM’s candidate for the NA-219, seat that had fallen vacant after the death of Prof Khalid Wahab.

Criticising policies pursued by successive governments, he said: “We can save and protect the country only through our unity. The rulers should tell the people that they will redress the grievances of people and that complete provincial autonomy will be ensured.”

He regretted that contentious issues were not being resolved through dialogue and force was being used instead. “I call for solving the Balochistan issue and problems in other areas through talks. Policies that can help end hatred should be pursued.”

The MQM leader said his party had never sold tickets to candidates for any election, adding that people voted MQM because they believed in the movement. Therefore, he emphasised, candidates should not be dishonest to people and the party.

Referring to a ‘propaganda campaign’ launched by religious parties against the MQM and misunderstandings being created by the so-called nationalist groups between the Urdu- and Sindhi-speaking people, Mr Hussain said he did not believe in the blame game. He expressed the hope that no one now would be able to damage the unity between the two communities.

He said only the MQM could solve people’s problems from Karachi to Kashmore.

Mr Hussain urged MQM workers and supporters to vote for the party candidate in the by-election.

In-charge Coordination Committee Anwar Alam, MQM zonal organiser Siraj Rajput, MPA Naeem Ishtiaq and Pervez Qureshi, the candidate, also spoke.