Altaf Hussain appeals to PM Modi to halt persecution of Muhajirs in Pakistan, stating, "Modi Ji, you are our last hope."
United Kingdom: The plight of Urdu-speaking refugees, known as Muhajirs, residing in Pakistan, has been a decades-long issue finally gaining international attention. Altaf Hussain, a Pakistani exiled leader and founder of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), has made an emotional appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He urged Modi to address the Muhajirs' suffering and take steps to protect their rights. Hussain stated that Modi is their last hope and that India should raise this matter on international platforms.
Appeal made during an event in London
During an event in London, Altaf Hussain appealed to Prime Minister Modi for help. He stated that Muhajirs have faced discrimination and atrocities for decades in Pakistan. He alleged that state-sponsored violence against Muhajirs is being perpetrated by the Pakistani army and intelligence agencies.
Hussain mentioned that this discrimination has persisted since the 1947 India-Pakistan partition, when millions migrated from India to Pakistan and were considered citizens. However, they are still not treated as full citizens and face discrimination.
What did Altaf Hussain say?
Altaf Hussain stated that the Muhajir community in Pakistan is vilified as traitors and pro-India. He accused the Pakistani army and intelligence agencies of continuously targeting MQM leaders and workers. Altaf said, "Over 25,000 Muhajirs have been killed, and thousands are missing. Our people are murdered, we are imprisoned, and our properties are confiscated. We are denied freedom of speech."
Appealing to PM Modi, he said, "Modi Ji, you are our last hope. Please be our voice and raise our issue on international forums. Our lives are in danger."
Confidence in PM Modi's role
Altaf Hussain praised PM Modi, highlighting his previous vocal stance against Baloch human rights violations in Pakistan, calling it a courageous step. He urged Modi to take similar action to protect the rights of the Muhajir community.
Pakistan's response and accusations
Pakistan has consistently accused Altaf Hussain and his party, MQM, of being pro-India. Recently, during an event in Houston, USA, Pakistani Consul General Aftab Chaudhry showed a video portraying MQM as an Indian agent. Altaf Hussain retaliated, stating that Pakistan has always made such false accusations to suppress the Muhajirs' voice. He asserted that this Pakistani attitude is an attempt to silence his community.
Who are the Muhajirs?
Muhajirs are those who migrated from India to Pakistan during the 1947 partition. Most were Muslims from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Delhi, and West Bengal, seeking refuge in Pakistan. However, Altaf Hussain maintains that they have never been fully accepted in Pakistan and have always been treated as second-class citizens.
