KARACHI Muttahida Qaumi Movement chief Altaf Hussain has said that 'international powers' had in the past tried to eliminate the MQM through the Pakistani establishment, but now they were trying to get rid of him.
In an open letter to party workers, which was also released to the media on Sunday, Mr Hussain said that 'international powers' could eliminate him anytime and they (MQM workers) should be mentally prepared for such an eventuality.
He said that he had given a philosophy and ideology for struggle against generals, feudal lords and chieftains who assumed “power through unfair means”.
He said it was not only the aristocracy which benefited from the mediaeval system, but international powers also used it to their advantage.
“International powers used the Pakistani establishment which includes the army, ISI and other powerful agencies to eliminate the MQM. When these forces failed to achieve their objective through conspiracies and barbarity and by slaying thousands of MQM workers, international powers are now trying to eliminate Altaf Hussain,” he said in the letter.
Mr Hussain said the murder of Dr Imran Farooq was a link in the chain and news analysis and columns published in the international press gave a clear indication about which party and personality were being targeted.
He referred to the BBC programme “Hard Talk” in which the host asked coordination committee member Mohammad Anwar why the MQM leader (Mr Hussain) had not been removed.
“This has implications for the situation... what was the purpose of this question?”
Mr Hussain said he did not have strength to withstand the might of powers and, therefore, workers should be mentally prepared for any eventuality because of “these powers can eliminate Altaf Hussain anytime”.
“If I am assassinated, it would be your duty to carry forward the mission, and objectives and to disseminate my ideology and teachings by sacrificing your personal interests and remaining united,” he said.
The release of the letter was followed by an MQM statement condemning the nefarious plan to eliminate its chief.
It called upon the British government to provide adequate security to the MQM leader in London.
This was the crux of a meeting of the MQM coordination committee held simultaneously in Karachi and London on Sunday, said the statement.
It said that after the assassination of Dr Farooq, a conspiracy was hatched to malign the MQM and its leader Mr Hussain, triggering concern among MQM supporters and workers worldwide.
“The coordination committee reposed full confidence in the leadership of Mr Hussain and resolved that they would remain committed and continue their struggle under him.”
