KARACHI, Feb 28: Muttahida Qaumi Movement chief Altaf Hussain has asked the “patriotic” army generals to come forward and rid Pakistan of corruption and theft, as an increasing unemployment, poverty and price hike have forced the people to look at them.

However, he made it clear that he was not inviting the generals “to impose another martial law”.

He said: “I am asking [their] help for the solidarity and integrity of Pakistan on a similar pattern when during various revolutions across the world the army left rulers and supported the masses.”

Speaking from London over the telephone to a big gathering held here to mark the 24th foundation day of the MQM labour division, Mr Hussain said that only an army general who acted against feudals, landlords, looter capitalists, etc, would be considered as a patriotic general. “I don't consider those general patriotic who had in the past supported the feudal lords, the looters and the corrupt over the people of Pakistan.”

Mr Hussain said that due to rising unemployment and poverty, the people of the country were looking at the army, as they thought that the army was somehow responsible for their problems. “This is not the time to sit silently… It is the time to show bravery and courage and support the masses to hold the looters and corrupt elements accountable. Pakistani generals and the people can save the country.”

“I do not meet [generals] in the darkness of night, but ask the generals on loudspeakers to come forward, support the masses in bringing about a revolution and as a first step hold Altaf Hussain accountable that during the last 35 years how much wealth he has amassed,” he said, adding that a cruel and across-the-board accountability would have to be done.

He criticised the United States policy of neglecting the people of Pakistan to support and please the aristocracy and dictators.

Commenting on the PML-N decision to part ways with the Pakistan People's Party in Punjab, he said that the PML-N had time and again claimed that they would never take a non-democratic step and would allow the PPP government to complete its term. However, the inclusion of the PML-Q MPAs in the PML-N ranks was not a good omen as it increased the “ethnic polarisation”.

He asked the government to declare a general amnesty in Balochistan.

He prayed for the solidarity and integrity of Pakistan.

He also asked the members of the MQM labour division to work with honesty and complete dedication in their respective organisations for the progress and prosperity of the country.