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THE IDEOLOGY OF MUTTAHIDA QUAMI MOVEMENT (MQM)
Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) believes in Realism and Practicalism.
Acceptance of reality with an open heart is Realism, a concept based uponthe philosophy of its Founder and Leader Mr. Altaf Hussain. Based on
Realism positive achievement made through ideologically supportedpragmatic programs is called Practicalism.
The short history of Pakistan will show that the country has been ruled
throughout by feudal lords, waderas and bureaucrats belonging to the twoper cent privileged population of the country. This class dominates the
countrys political life, the administrative services, the militaryestablishments, the economy and the general decision making process, while
the 98 per cent under-privileged population is denied its rightful share in theexercise of political and economic power in running the affairs of the state.Being politically disadvantaged and economically handicapped this sector of
the society is unable to find a place in the assemblies and the corridors ofpower in the country. As a consequence, it remains perpetually deprived and
alienated.
It just plays second fiddle to the ruling class. It is obliged to vote for them,make up the crowd in their political gatherings and processions, raise
slogans and resort to appreciative clapping to their soulless and hackneyedspeeches, containing promises which are never meant to be fulfilled.
According to the Constitution of Pakistan, every citizen has the right to
participate in elections and represent the people in the assemblies. Howeverthe two per cent privileged class has made the entry of the remaining
population to the assemblies well nigh impossible. Lavish expenditures on
political campaigning have rendered elections as a rich mans game in whichthe less fortunate class cannot compete. All major political parties routinely
voice sympathy and concern for the poor but refuse to accommodate themin the assemblies and national power structure. Thus the poor workers
despite sincere work and sacrifices remain perpetual bystanders.
In the above circumstances, therefore, real democratic culture could not beestablished in Pakistan. Real democracy means the rule of the majority or in
other words Government of the people, by the people, for the people. Butstrangely in Pakistan even in the name of democracy, the same two per cent
privileged class manages to induct its members into the assemblies and
other positions of power, while the 98 per cent of the lower and middle classpopulation is totally deprived of its genuine representation.
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The democratic system has not developed strong roots in Pakistan, as thetwo per cent privileged class now ruling the country has neither any concern
for the masses nor any genuine love for the democratic institutions. Theirprimary objective is to remain in power and protect their interests at all
costs.
Naturally, therefore, people belonging to such a mindset neither resistundemocratic and unconstitutional activities in the country nor feel any
compunction in readily accepting and recognising illegal governments, so
long as their personal interests are protected and they are also allowed ashare in the booty.
If we look at the record of the various governments of Pakistan since itsinception, we will easily notice that be it a democratic government or martial
regime, it has always been monopolised by the same two per cent privileged
class of the country. As a clever move, this class has inducted its membersinto all major political parties of the country. This ensures their permanent
link with the power irrespective of which party is in the government at agiven time. This monopolistic plan of the two per cent privileged class is the
main cause of the instability in the democratic institutions of the country.
The two- per cent ruling class mainly comprises of the feudal lords, Whilethe remaining 98 per cent population consists of the poor , oppressed and
deprived ones. It is now for the people of Pakistan to judge and decide as tohow this small self-centred two per cent ruling class could solve the
problems faced by the 98 per cent. Isolated and insulated from the masses,
this class is totally unaware of the sufferings, agonies, anxieties as well as
the aspiration and hopes of the poor and oppressed people. The livingstandards and the life style of the privileged class are poles apart from theway of life of the less fortunate and alienated people. In fact there is hardly
any meeting point between the two of them. The members of this privileged
class spend millions of rupees to get elected to the national and provincialassemblies. Hence, their first priority on coming to power is to recover their
capital spent on the election campaign, of course, along with compoundinterest and dividends. They have little time and energy for resolving the
problems of their constituencies. For them, power and privileges are themain objective in coming into politics, they do not hesitate to compromise
our principles and ideologies and willingly indulge in all kinds of
undemocratic practices in order to maintain their hold on the establishment.
As the elected people from the elite class on reaching the corridors of power
work only for the interest of the two- per cent population, the masses who
elected them find their problems unresolved. They are consequentlybecoming more rich. They are accumulating wealth with both hands. New
land holdings are being acquired, prestigious bungalows, villas are being
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purchased within the country and abroad, and factories are beingestablished with dubiously acquired capital.
MQM, therefore, feels strongly that Pakistan can never prosper unless the
prevailing corrupt political, economic and social system is brought to an end.
It is certain that under the existing set up, the people of Pakistan cannotmove ahead towards prosperity nor can there be any stability in thedemocratic system. It is possible only when the 98 per cent poor and middle
class people get united and adequately represented in the assemblies and
places of power through qualified, honest and committed people belongingto their own class.
The under privileged majority in the country should therefore realise that ifthey want deliverance from the clutches of the exploiting class and also wish
to see the country stable and prosperous then they should elect
representatives from their own ranks. Prima facie, it is a difficult task aswithout wealth any success in elections is next to impossible. But this is
really not true. MQM has shown the way.
In the political history of Pakistan, MQM has demolished this antiquatedsystem of thinking. Accepting the facts and realities as they exist in the
country, MQM adopted the path of Practicalism and finally made abreakthrough. It succeeded in sending a large number of lower and middle
class educated members to the provincial and national assemblies from
Karachi, Hyderabad and other urban centres of Sindh without any monetaryburden on the part of the incumbents. MQM feels that having shown the way
the poor and middle class individuals in other regions of the country shouldalso try to reach the assemblies. But to achieve this, it is necessary that the
lower and middle classes of the country should adopt the MQM philosophy of
Realism and Practicalism. They should be ready to make a concertedstruggle and be prepared for sacrifices. Once the lower and middle class
dominates the assemblies, we shall be able to bring about true democracy inthe country and solve the problems of the oppressed masses.
WHAT DOES MQM WANT?
Ideologically speaking, MQM is not a proponent of Socialism, Communism orunbridled Capitalism. It only believes in Realism and Practicalism. By
adopting this philosophy it desires to establish an economic system based on
free market economy in accordance with the spirit of democracy. MQM seeksdrastic reforms in all sectors including agriculture, industry, commerce,
education, health, defence, finance and judiciary. These are consideredessential for the solidarity, security, progress and prosperity of the country
as well as for the welfare of the common man. MQM wants to see total
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elimination of corruption, bribery, injustices, tyranny, exploitation, illiteracy,unemployment, poverty, drug trafficking and other such social evils. It aims
to introduce a comprehensive program to make Pakistan prosperous andstable, and create a just society in which opportunity to progress and
prosper is available to all, without discrimination.
While the MQM primarily espouses the cause of the 98 per cent poor andmiddle classes, it does also recognise the two- per cent elite class as useful
citizens of the country. It has no intention to take away their legally acquired
wealth. Its objective is to evolve on the principle of Realism and Practicalisma just system in which all classes of the country should feel themselves fully
secured. Without taking any thing away from the men of status, the poorand middle class people should have the opportunity to come out of the
quagmire of poverty through merit and hard work. Additionally, the systemshould be free from exploitation, hatred and injustices. Furthermore,
adherence to any particular cast, creed, language, ethnicity, sex, sect and
religion, should in no way prejudice any ones fundamental or human rights.
DETAILS OF MANIFESTO
MQM has issued its 18-point Charter of Demand seeking the rights of all the
citizens of Pakistan along with the rights of the Mohajirs. MQM herebypresents its manifesto to the people of Pakistan for the prosperity of
Pakistan and the welfare of its people. MQM urges the people of Pakistan to
extend their full support to the party to help it correct the wrong doings ofthe past 50 years and to build a new Pakistan based on solid ideological
foundations and true democratic traditions.
1. NATIONAL INTEGRATION
MQM wants to see national integration flourish and is of the view that
without establishing a just and equitable system, national integration andthe concept of Pakistan as one nation can never be achieved. MQM is of the
view that mere slogans and sermons cannot consolidate and concretise
national integration. To achieve this object all unjust policies and laws haveto be abolished. It is through these discriminatory laws that injustice and
exploitation is being perpetuated on the basis of language, ethnicity, culture,territory, nationality and religion against certain segments of the society.
Whenever any class of people is unjustly treated, it gives rise among them a
sense of deprivation and alienation which in turn weakens the bond ofnational integration. MQM therefore desires that all such unjust laws and
policies should be dispensed with allowing all citizens of the country to enjoythe benefits of justice. Only then a feeling of belonging and a sense of
national integration would flourish.
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MQM wholeheartedly accepts the cultural, linguistic, regional, racial andreligious identities of all citizens of the state. To deny such distinctions and
identifications is tantamount to denying reality. Realism and Practicalismfurther assert that by accepting all these identities, the injustices can be
eliminated thereby bringing the various communities of the country closer to
each other. National integration will also strengthen as a consequence. It istherefore imperative to recognise and accept the constitutional rights of
Sindhi, Punjabi, Pakhtoon, Mohajir, Baloch, Saraiki, Brohi, Makrani and allother nationalities, fraternities, lingual, cultural and religious units to provide
them justice so that the fervour of national integration could grow and
kinship develop.
MQM desires that by mutual co-operation in the spirit of give and take and
with consensual approach, steps be taken to formulate and execute suchdevelopment programs by the federal and provincial governments in which
every region of the country is able to participate and effectively share its
benefits and that no class of the populace should feel left out and bypassed.
2. EDUCATION
In todays world, education is the basic and most important factor to achieve
progress for a nation. Well-educated nations in the world enjoy dominanceover other nations. Nations lacking in education cannot achieve
advancement. It is deplorable that since the inception of Pakistan successive
governments paid very little attention to education. Even today the countrysbudget provides meager sums for education, and as a result more than 70
per cent of the population of our country has remained illiterate.
If we desire to see Pakistan a developed, prosperous and dignified countrythen we have to make full use of our resources and ensure education is
made available to every citizen as without education no one can expect thecountry to be progressive and prosperous.
MQM also wants to make education easily available throughout the country
by making full use of all the available resources on an emergency basis,whereby within five years the rate of literacy could be enhanced, to at least
70 per cent. This target is not impossible. With determination and goodintentions desired results can be achieved. Korea and some other under-
developed countries are a good example to follow. In this connection MQM
wants to take the following steps:
In all towns and villages a network of schools and colleges needs to be set-
up and for this purpose not only should government resources be utilised on
a large scale but also non-governmental organisations and other private
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sector institutions should be encouraged in setting up the educationalinstitutions throughout the country. With a view to achieving this objective,
mutual co-operation among such organisations and institutions should beorganised by forming a common platform under the governments
supervision and help. By granting more powers and providing enhanced
resources to the elected local bodies their role in the education, up toprimary and secondary level should be increased and the framework and
scope of these institutions to be enlarged and used to full potential. As anadditional step, the federal and provincial governments should provide
grants to the elected local bodies. The education up to primary level should
be made compulsory and free; and all the textbooks should be provided freeof cost to primary students.
The prices of secondary and higher education textbooks need to beconsiderably reduced, so as to enable even the poor families to meet the
expenditure on education with less burden. The educated people in general
and youth in particular should be encouraged to form voluntaryorganisations to help and launch a crusade against illiteracy and campaign to
ensure education for all. Allocation in the budget for education to beincreased adequately to achieve these goals.
Private educational institutions need to be encouraged to ensure their
educational standards and by making legislation so as to upgrade and notallow them to become only businesses and profit making organisations. Merit
should be the predominant factor in selection as MQM considers that
education is a social service and should not become a trade.
A net work of libraries should be established in all the cities and towns of the
country. These libraries should be linked with each other through a well-
connected system, including mobile libraries for the villages outside urbanareas, to provide benefit to rural areas.
MQM wishes to establish new universities, colleges, medical colleges,engineering colleges, technical institutes and other higher educational
institutions in accordance with the increasing need of the population in a
systematic and planned manner, on a regular basis. The present distributionof grants, given by the University Grants Commission to the universities of
the country should be made fair and equitable.
In every part of the country, especially in villages, towns and small cities,more and more vocational training centres should be established so that the
younger generation and women can acquire useful skills. Special measuresmust be taken to develop scientific research and in this regard the private
sector should be encouraged in an organised manner.
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Elimination of dual education system
The educational system of our country suffers from dual standards. In our
country, advance education seems to be the right of children belonging to
the rich ruling elite and bureaucrats, while the education system and the
facilities for the middle class and down trodden people are that of secondand third grade. Education for the rural population has been made difficultwhere it is considered to be the right of the children of feudal and tribal lords
only. MQM believes that no one should be deprived of a good standard of
education and therefore, we have to abolish this dual system of educationand standardise the education system throughout the country. MQM believes
that whilst Pakistan belongs to all, then why is the educational standard forall Pakistanis not equal?
Unfortunately, the fees and expenditure of a good standard school is beyond
the reach of the 98 per cent poor and middle class people. The standard ofeducation of the schools where the children of 98 per cent poor and middle
class receive their education is extremely backward in comparison withprivate and grammar schools and other schools.
MQM wants the education standards of government and municipal schools
where the 98 per cent of poor and middle class people of the country sendtheir children for education to be raised to the standard of Grammar
Schools. This is not beyond the realm of possibilities because MQM as an
experiment has made some municipal schools in Karachi on an equal footingwith top class schools.
MQM understands that to raise the standard of education, the method of
appointment of teachers and increase in their salaries is vital. MQM wants tobring the pay scale of the teachers to a level that not only the good and
qualified teachers are easily available but they should also feel proud injoining the teaching profession and enjoy a comfortable standard of living. In
order to achieve this objective the teachers should be graded separatelyfrom other government employees.
It is necessary to point out here that government affairs and its
administration are being conducted in the English language. In our country,owing to the dual educational system, the medium of instruction is usually in
two languages. In State schools from primary level onwards the medium of
instructions is usually Urdu, commonly known as Urdu Medium Schools.Whereas in good quality, expensive and private schools the medium for
instructions is always English, these schools are termed as English MediumSchools. Invariably, the government and administrative jobs go to the
people who have knowledge of English and for top positions only those
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people are appointed who have fluency in English language. The majority ofthe population in the country gets its education in Urdu language and does
not know the English language at all or certainly does not have the fluencyin English language. For this reason a great majority of the population is
deprived of applying for top jobs despite the fact that they are quite capable
of carrying out the functions. They are deprived of these positions becauseof the dual standards of the education system. In order to involve the
majority of the public in all modes of administration so they can participatein the running of the country, the dual standards of education has to be
eliminated. The medium of education should be the same in English medium
schools and Urdu medium schools with a view to getting rid of thesuperiority which the English medium schools have taken for granted over
the Urdu medium schools. Having removed the difference between the Urduand English medium schools, MQM wants to introduce an education system
where all citizens participate equally without any sense of deprivation so
they can utilise their abilities to the full and everyone would have the rightto qualify and hold any suitable position.
3. HEALTH
Good health and good education is necessary for a strong and healthysociety. In order to provide the poor with medical facilities it is essential that
from small towns to small villages and small cities to the big cities in allareas and localities a network of small health units should be installed.
These units should become the centre for health and in this way at State
level every citizens health and care would be ensured. In other words a
system taking the form of National Health Scheme would be established.
In every district at least one government hospital should be set-up and in
rural areas health centres comprising of at least 20 beds should beestablished wherein maternity services would also be provided.
With a view to removing the shortage of essential medicines and a reductionin prices, private investment and local manufacturing in pharmaceutical
industries should be encouraged.
To provide medical care for the poor people, non-governmental, social andwelfare organisations and institutions from the private sector should be
encouraged. MQM wants the present conditions of State controlled hospitals
and health centres to improve. Furthermore, in order to improve thedeficiencies in administrative matters, the involvement of bureaucracy
should be minimised and the hospitals should be under the control ofprofessionals.
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4. FOREIGN POLICY
MQM believes in an independent and non-aligned foreign policy and wishes
to promote close and friendly relations with neighbouring countries and the
rest of the world.
5. DEFENCE
MQM wants to strengthen the defence of the country by making it
unassailable. It is the MQMs view that immediate compulsory militarytraining should be introduced so that every citizen may share in the defence
of the country. Such policies should be formulated that will enable everyindividual of every region of the country to be recruited into the armed
forces for the defence of the country. MQM wants to make Pakistan self-
sufficient in the production of armaments for its own use.
6. JUDICIARY
The prevalent judicial system of our country is such that the poor oppressed
masses face enormous difficulties in obtaining justice. Invariably, lawsuitsdrag on indefinitely and as a consequence the accused has to stay in prison
for many years. Similarly, the person involved in litigation has to face great
hardships. For this reason thousands of innocent people are still languishingin jails awaiting their trials to conclude. It is, therefore, essential that the
people be provided inexpensive and expeditious justice. Hence the judicialsystem has to be organised on scientific and modern basis. The judicial
process and methodology should be simplified. The number of judges andcourts should be increased accordingly.
MQM has a firm belief in the independence of judiciary. Without independent
judiciary, a democratic society cannot develop. MQM wants to make judiciaryindependent of the administration.
MQM wants to abolish all the special courts from the country. All the cases
should be tried in the established courts of law. Special courts negate theconcept of independent judiciary. Because the judges are appointed by the
administration and their transfer and salaries are fixed by the government,
their services are used for political aims and objectives. The independence ofjudiciary and the principles of justice demand that all special courts are
abolished forthwith.
7. MEDIA
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MQM believes in the independence of the press and is opposed to all suchpolicies which impede the freedom of press and news media. The
independence of the press and media is one of the indispensable elementsfor the development of a democratic society. MQM believes in positive and
constructive journalism and wishes to see the Press free from all
governmental and non-governmental shackles and restrictions. MQM alsowants to see the standard of living of journalists to improve along with other
people in Pakistan. MQM is totally against yellow journalism and wants thejournalists of the country to form an independent commission which would
effectively eliminate the curse of yellow journalism from the country.
MQM is against government control of the media and wants radio andtelevision to be freed from government control. These institutions should be
represented as the voice of the people and not the State or the Government.These institutions should play their role in reporting correctly, prepare the
people ideologically, and encourage them to form their own opinions.
8. HUMAN RIGHTS
MQM has a firm belief in human rights and demands that the fundamentalrights as incorporated in the Constitution of Pakistan must be fully
respected. Pakistan is facing embarrassment throughout the world due torepeated violations of the human rights by the successive governments.
MQM is of the view that all citizens of the country must be granted equal
rights irrespective of their cast, colour, creed, race, language, religion,region, culture, faith, sect and sex or any political affiliation. In order to
check the violations of human rights, MQM wants judiciary to be independentand free. MQM wants at government level an independent effective
institution to be established that would investigate alleged violations and
breaches of human rights in the country. The institution must have theauthority to take action against any Government or the State functionary or
employee wherever necessary and to institute proceedings through the courtof law. From MQMs point of view, race, language, colour and region should
not be considered while appointing people for industry, trade and commerce,whether in government institutions or non-governmental organisations. The
criteria should be merit and merit alone for obtaining employment. MQM
wants to see the end of child labour and desires that realistic and practicalsteps are taken, and policies formulated, whereby child labour is wiped out
from the country forever.
9. RELIGION
MQM wants to establish a system in the society whereby all citizens may
lead their lives in accordance with their religion, faith and belief. MQM is
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against exploitation and injustices in the name of religion, faith and sect. Italso aims at providing full protection to religious minorities.
10. MINORITY RIGHTS
MQM wants the rights of minorities in the country to be protected like allother citizens and they should be allowed to live honourably. The genuine
grievances of minorities should be redressed.
11. FEUDAL SYSTEM
It is MQMs view that without abolishing the feudal system, Pakistan cannot
progress. The country would go from bad to worse economically due to the
antiquated and tyrannical feudal system. That is why MQM wants to see theend of the feudal system in Pakistan.
Twice in the past, attempts were made to enforce agricultural reforms butbecause of the grip of the feudal oligarchy those reforms could not becarried out. It is, therefore, essential that the ceiling for landholding be
established and effective land reforms be implemented.
12. AGRICULTURE
With a view to dismantling the feudal system in Pakistan, MQM is in favour
of limiting the ownership of agricultural land. This is necessary to establishan egalitarian system in the country and until such time that the feudal
system is totally eliminated the following actions are necessary:
There has been an immense progress in the agricultural sector in theworld on a scientific basis but in our country agriculture is the most
outdated sector of its kind.
In our country 70 per cent of the total population is involved inagriculture but the poor peasants who cultivate the land are treated
like slaves. The feudal lords are the sole beneficiaries of the
agricultural produce. After their round the clock labour the poorpeasants get just about enough to survive.
In the development of the feudal culture many other problems havebeen created in the country. Due to the contemptuous feudal
mentality, hundreds and thousands of acres of land are not being
cultivated because the feudal have more land then they need and theycannot, and do not want to cultivate their entire holdings. They are
still not prepared to hand over their land to peasants for cultivation of
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food and other necessities. The situation causes a great loss to thenation. Patriotism demands that whosoever holds surplus land and is
not in a position to put it under cultivation, they should either cultivatethis land in the interest of the country or distribute such surplus land
to the peasants free of cost or at an affordable price.
With this in mind, MQM wants the Government to take such steps thatthe landowners would cultivate all the land they possess. If they fail to
do so then a "non-cultivation tax" should be levied on every single
acre of land not cultivated and this tax should be collected for thebenefit of the peasants.
MQM wants that the government to take steps and ensure that everysingle inch of cultivatable land should be cultivated with a view to
increasing the agricultural productivity so that the nation becomes
self-sufficient in food and other agricultural produce. This would alsoenable us to export our agricultural produce.
To achieve this increase in agro-products, all available resources
should be put to use to mechanise agriculture on modern scientificmethods. In this regard the foremost objective of all concerned is to
provide education about agriculture to the peasants. To achieve this,the Government with the co-operation of non-governmental and social
organisations must start a campaign for adult education in villages for
the peasants and their families. In this regard there should be anappeal to educated young people to come forward voluntarily.
Moreover, some basic and easy courses on scientific farming are to bemade available to the peasants.
The development of industries in areas relating to agriculture should
be enhanced. For instance the fertiliser factories, agricultural machinetool factories and similar industries should be established in the rural
areas. For making the country self-sufficient in agricultural produce itis essential to raise the living standard of the peasants. MQM wants to
end the exploitation of peasants and stamp out the use of forced
labour which is tantamount to slavery in villages. To achieve this MQMwants peasants working on the land of feudal lords to be recognised by
the law as agriculture labour or farm labour. New labour laws shouldbe introduced in this regard and strictly enforced.
It is MQMs policy to provide peasants with a share of the agriculture
produce on similar grounds as the industrial labour in town gets ashare in the profits from industries.
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MQM is in favour of levying tax on agricultural income and wants toimprove the system of collecting Ushr tax in the country. An effective
system of monitoring agricultural loans procured from Banks and otherfinancial institutions should be introduced. This is because the feudal
lords often use agricultural loans for their personal use rather than
agriculture.
Water logging, salinity and irrigation system
MQM desires that immediate attention must be paid to updating the
irrigation system and the cleansing of canals etc. to increase the agriculturalproduce. With the consensus of all provinces, and keeping in mind the
agreed formula for the distribution of water, new canals should be dug tocultivate barren land. A system for the disposal of the surplus water from
the canals is to be strengthened so that the water level should not rise.
A comprehensive plan needs to be introduced for solving the salinity andwater logging problems and in this connection the maximum number of tube
wells should be installed.
13. TRADE AND INDUSTRY
Industrial development and progress is an essential ingredient for theprosperity of the country. MQM is against the nationalisation of industries
and favours privatisation for healthy competition. MQM is not anti-capitalistor anti-industrialist but it does not want the accumulation of wealth in a few
hands only and thereby opposes monopoly and monopolistic trends insociety.
MQM is of the view that such policies should be formulated whereby
small industries are established and small investors are encouraged toparticipate without undue restrictions.
MQM wants to see cottage industries flourish in the country and wants
the Government to encourage the setting-up of such industries inevery city, town and village. Such policies should be adopted that a
network of cottage industries is established in every corner of the
country. This would result in a reduction in unemployment andenhancement of national productivity and income.
MQM wants to see Pakistan enter into the industrial era and transform
into a modern industrial society. For this purpose policies should beformulated which would readily establish industries throughout the
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country without unreasonable legal impediments and bureaucraticinterference.
MQM wants to see that by introducing a "one-window operation"; the
people should have access to all the safeguards, advantages and
protection for the development of industry. The loans for the setting-up of industries should be made easier and simpler to obtain and landshould be made available at a reasonable rate. The taxation system
should be made simple and easy to understand.
A uniform industrial policy should be drafted for the entire country witha view to establishing industries in the rural areas. Special incentives
should be provided such as land at minimum rates and the supply ofwater and electricity to the industries in those rural areas. Also in rural
areas the industrialists and their employees must be provided with
safety and the protection of the law.
MQM desires to formulate such policies at government level whereby
safeguards should be provided for industries countrywide. By keeping
in mind the countrys prevailing conditions, international markets andthe countrys resources, policies based on Realism and Practicalism
should be formulated to increase exports and decrease reliance onimports, especially of readymade goods.
In order to develop domestic trade and industry, MQM wants to see effective
steps taken to check smuggling, and people who are involved in these
heinous activities should be severely punished.
14. LABOUR POLICY
MQM is against all kinds of exploitation of the labour force and wants toprovide them with their rights so that the labour force can live a peaceful
and prosperous life and play their role to increase the national productivity.
For the progress of the country and welfare of the labour force it isessential that the industrial sector be cleansed completely of the
prevailing contractual system.
MQM wants to see an end to every form of forced and bonded labourin the country. Similarly, the curse of child labour should come to an
end forthwith.
To improve the economic condition of the labour force and to inculcatea sense of belonging, the labour force needs to participate in the
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profits by owning shares in the industrial units. This policy wouldundoubtedly increase productivity of the units.
MQM wants the salaries and wages of labourers to increase in
accordance with the cost of living and price rises in the country.
Policies should be formulated for the welfare of the labourers and theeducation of their children, and for the care of their families in case ofsickness and subsequent rehabilitation.
MQM wants to see an increase in productivity that can be achieved by
allowing labourers to join trade unions for their rights, so they canwork hard and actively play their role in the development of the
country.
MQM feels that there is a need for reforms in the labour laws of thecountry so that they can be made compatible with the laws of the ILO
(International Labour Organisation).
15. CONSTITUTIONAL REFORMS
MQM is in favour of a parliamentary form of Government and wishes to see
elected institutions becoming strong, stable and authoritative. The legislation
should be made through the Parliament.
Since anomalies in the Constitution impede the continuity and stability of the
democratic framework and tend to harm and restrict the role of elected
parliament, MQM desires that inconsistencies and contradictions in theConstitution of Pakistan should be corrected through consensus as a result of
discussions with all the political parties in the country.
MQM wants to see a balance in the powers vested in the president and the
prime minister of the country and it considers that the spirit of democracy
requires that absolute power should not be in an individuals hand, be it thepresident or the prime minister.
MQM wants to provide constitutional protection for the elected local bodies
throughout the country. MQM wishes to have such amendments in the
constitution as may ensure reservation of seats for women in the Senate,National and Provincial Assemblies and Local Bodies on a permanent basis.MQM is of the view that every adult citizen of the country has a democratic
right to franchise. MQM strongly feels that the people of Federally
Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) must also have the same right as otherparts of the country where the elections are conducted on the basis of adult
franchise. At present the minimum voting age in our country is 21 years.
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MQMs point of view is that if a person of 18 years is considered adult andissued an identity card, then he or she should also have a right to vote. The
constitution therefore needs to be amended to reduce the voting age to 18.
16. PROVINCIAL AUTONOMY
MQM is in favour of maximum provincial autonomy and, therefore, wishes
that power be transferred from the centre to the provinces and from the
province to the elected local bodies so that the people of every part of thecountry feel involved in government affairs.
On the question of provincial autonomy, MQM wants consultations anddiscussions to be held with the leaders of all the provinces to seek an
appropriate and reasonable solution acceptable to all regions of the country
without weakening the Federation.
17. LOCAL BODIES
With a view to solving problems at local level, thereby generating a feeling
of participation by the people of all regions in the country, MQM favoursmaking local elected bodies strong and more effective by promoting the
concept of "Local Self Government".
The elected local bodies are basic institutions for the welfare of the people.Such bodies are close to the people who have easy access to them; they can
be extremely helpful and effective in solving local problems. But these
institutions have very limited authority for solving problems of the commonman. Local bodies do not have the powers and are dependent on the
provincial government in this matter. In most cases they are obliged toobtain the consent of the provincial governments, so much so that even
their budget has to be approved by the provincial government. Theprovincial governments also have the powers to dissolve the local bodies at
any time. The result is that the local bodies are completely at their mercy
and, therefore, cannot serve the people appropriately.
MQMs view is that the system of government should be so organised that
the citizens of all regions can participate in the national affairs. It is,
therefore, essential that power and authority is transferred from federal levelto provincial level and from provincial level to the elected local bodies.
MQM wants to see the elected local governments strong, effective and
respected. It is therefore, necessary that the elected local bodies are allowedto exercise greater authority and financial independence in line with other
developed countries of the world.
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MQM wants the local self-government system to be given constitutionalprotection. All major cities including Karachi and Lahore need to be given the
status of Autonomous Metropolitan Corporation as it is elsewhere in theworld. For the establishment of effective local bodies, it is essential to hold
elections in accordance with the stipulated terms of the Constitution.
18. PLANNING
For the progress of a country it is essential to have comprehensive planningon realistic lines. It is regrettable that there has been no focus on future
planning in our country since 1947. The government administration has beenrun on an ad-hoc basis and it is still the case today. For the development of
the country it is vital to get rid of this system and definite plans should beformulated for future development in all walks of life. In this connection it
will be necessary to re-organise the Planning Commission and make it more
independent and effective.
19. CENSUS AND ELECTORAL BOUNDARIES
To conduct the affairs of the country in an effective and efficient manner it is
essential that a correct census be carried out so that definite plans could bedrawn up on the basis of facts and figures. MQM wants that census to be
conducted in the country on a modern scientific basis, regularly. In this
regard it is also essential that past mistakes and injustices are not repeatedand shortcomings in the existing procedure are corrected. A Census has not
been conducted in the country for a long time. As a result the country has
been faced with new problems all the time. Although the countryspopulation has increased significantly, it is regrettable that the national and
provincial constituencies have neither been increased nor re-demarcated inaccordance with the rise in population. The number of people in every
constituency has increased and the elected representatives cannoteffectively deal with all the problems faced by the people. It is, therefore,
essential that the number of constituencies are increased and adjustmentsmade in the national and provincial assembly seats in accordance with the
revised population ratio in different constituencies.
20. POPULATION PLANNING
The rapid growth in the population is extremely harmful for the progress andprosperity of the country. Therefore, MQM wants immediate effective
measures to be taken to control the increase in population. Furthermore,new problems are being created due to migration of rural population to the
cities. In order to deal with this effectively, MQM wants to take realistic
measures to resolve these problems.
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21. STRANDED PAKISTANIS
The stranded Pakistanis have been living a povertystricken life since 1971
in Bangladeshi camps. Their only crime is that they believed in patriotism
and they still want to return to their own country, Pakistan. It is regrettable
that successive governments did not pay attention to this humanitarian andnational problem. Some political leaders exploited the situation for theirpolitical gains and had no real interest in solving the problem of repatriation.
In fact, those who oppose the repatriation of stranded Pakistanis actually
oppose the Two Nation Theory which was the basis for the division of Indiaand creation of Pakistan. MQMs point of view is that the stranded people in
Bangladesh are patriotic Pakistanis and should be brought back home,forthwith.
22. KASHMIR
MQM gives full support to the right of self-determination to the people ofKashmir and wishes the Kashmir issue to be resolved in accordance with the
UN Resolutions and according to the will of the people of Kashmir. MQM
condemns the human rights violations in Kashmir and is of the opinion thatPakistan must use her influence at every level to obtain peaceful settlement
of this Issue.
23. WOMEN
MQM is in favour of equal rights for women. Without active participation of
the women in national affairs, the progress of the country is not possible. Itis, therefore, essential that women are encouraged to participate in all walksof life.
MQM wants seats for women to be reserved on permanent basis in theSenate, National and Provincial Assemblies and also in the Local Bodies. A
provision in this respect should be made in the Constitution.
MQM wants the repeal of all laws and wants to discontinue the policies,which tend to discriminate against women. Moreover, the curse of dowry
should be eliminated with effective legislation.
Vocational training centres should be set up throughout the country wherewomen can be taught and trained in different arts and skills. MQM wants to
create such a social structure and system in the country whereby women
could play their full role in national development.
24. UNEMPLOYMENT
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In our country the problem of unemployment, especially of the educatedclass has become very serious. Hundreds of thousands of educated youths
are currently unemployed. MQM, therefore, wants steps to be taken to solvesuch an urgent problem with a long-term definite plan.
MQM wants that more and more industries should be established in thecountry, especially small and cottage industries to resolve the problem ofunemployment.
Vocational training centres should be set-up for the youngsters to learn
different skills to enable them to stand on their own feet.
To set-up small businesses, young people should be given soft term loans.
Indiscriminate down sizing of public sector organisations resulting in
unemployment should be stopped.
25. MONETARY DISCIPLINE
For establishing an effective monetary system in the country, improvement
in banking systems, stability of the currency and effective monitoring ofgovernment malpractice, it is essential that the office of the Governor of the
State Bank is made free from government control. Therefore, MQM wants
the powers of the Governor of the State Bank enhanced and those powers tobe given constitutional protection.
26. REDUCTION IN EXPENDITURE
In Pakistan the 2 per cent ruling class has been ruling over the 98 per centpoor and oppressed people since the inception of the country. They have not
only ruled, but have also used the State resources and national exchequerfor personal gains, because a major portion of the State exchequer has been
utilised on wasteful luxuries and personal benefits. The national exchequer is
almost entirely depleted. In order to replenish the exchequer working peopleare further burdened with heavy taxes and loans are obtained from foreign
countries at exorbitant rates.
For not providing basic necessities to the people, the government put
forward the justification that it lacks resources, whereas, billions of rupeesare spent on the luxurious life style of top bureaucrats, ministers andmembers of the ruling party, the government advisors and their families.
Millions of rupees are spent on medical treatment overseas for these people.
The same privileged class also obtains huge loans from nationalised banks.
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Millions of rupees are spent to win over the favours of opposition partymembers in the Assembly. The national exchequer is also being plundered to
pay for expensive functions, tea parties, luncheons and dinners. Billions ofrupees are spent on luxury cars, villas, bungalows and foreign tours for
those who are in position of power. Expensive plots of land are distributed
among the favourites at give-away prices. It is because of such extravagantunnecessary expenditure that our country today is facing severe economic
crisis. MQM wants to see an end to this extravagant expenditure on luxuryitems. The Government sends, at its own expense, the very rich feudal lords
and bureaucrats and their families for trips abroad and for medical
treatment. This practice must be discontinued. Luxurious costly functionsand extravagant dinners should be stopped. On foreign tours, instead of a
huge entourage the representatives concerned should travel with a minimumof staff to reduce unnecessary costs. The extravagance on fleets of vehicles
and the houses of ministers, advisors and their secretaries must be stopped.
The practice of distributing plots of land to favourites of ministers andgovernment officials should also be stopped. The loans given to the
privileged class must be recovered from them. Tax evasion must beeliminated and every extravagance on luxury items should be stopped.
27. TAXATION SYSTEM
An outdated and defective system for the collection of taxes exists in ourcountry. For that reason the country is deprived of billions of rupees in
taxation every year. Due to the inadequate policies, billions of rupees find
their way into the pockets of government officers and bureaucrats rather
than the government treasury. What is immediately needed is to establishan effective and simple system which will tend to minimise the tax burdenupon the people on one hand but controlling tax evasion on the other,
thereby, creating an increase in tax recovery.
Furthermore, for the collection of taxes in a better way, and to eliminatecorruption immediate steps should be taken to formulate a simple and
effective system where room for corruption is minimised. Instead ofimposing exorbitant new taxes without due consideration there should be a
levy of taxes that are endurable to the tax payers, so the tax payer would
not be tempted into corrupt practices and tax evasion.
It is absolutely essential to extend the tax recovery framework to all classes
of society with the aim of increasing State income and reducing the burden
upon poor people. The system must be extended to all classes of people sothey can play their role in contributing to the State exchequer. Unnecessary
burden upon a particular class or a few classes must not be imposed. In this
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regard the enforcement of tax on agricultural income would be a step in theright direction.
The MQM point of view in this regard is that instead of increasing the burden
upon existing taxpayers to meet the increased monetary requirements of the
country, a positive policy should be introduced to promote and increaseproduction in the country. The increase in productivity would subsequentlylead to an increase in imposition and recovery of taxation revenue. Instead
of concentrating on the levy of further taxes, efforts should be concentrated
on making tax recovery efficient, enabling the country to increase itsRevenue income.
28. CORRUPTION
In order to eliminate corruption, MQM is in favour of an independent andautonomous Accountability Commission. Along with this, MQM wants to
strengthen the office of the Auditor General by making it independent andeffective. MQM also wants that immediate steps to be taken according to the
findings of the report of the Auditor General.
29. FOREIGN LOANS
It is a matter of grave concern for every patriotic Pakistani to realise thatour country is sinking, day by day under the heavy burden of foreign loans.
We continue to procure loan after loan but have nothing to show for it. Theloans are not utilised for the projects they have been obtained for. Loans are
misappropriated through ineffective planning, malpractice and corruption.Little developmental work is seen because such a small amount is spent onthe projects for which these loans are procured. Due to defective planning
and corruption, we have not been able to achieve the economic advantagesthese loans could provide us. Little development is seen because
bureaucrats and corrupt politicians embezzle the funds earmarked for therepayment of previous loans and the rest is misappropriated by bureaucrats
and corrupt politicians. Due to the blatant corruption and embezzlement not
only is the burden of foreign loans upon the country growing constantly butno developmental work is being carried out either. MQM wants to see a
drastic reduction in dependence on foreign loans and to inculcate zealousparticipation by the people in promoting national development programs.
Furthermore, corruption, irregularities and defective planning should be
wiped out from the system. Such policies to be formulated that would proveto be helpful in making the country self-sufficient, to an extent that reliance
on foreign loans can come to an end.
30. INCREASE IN SALARIES
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Whenever there is a price hike or inflation in the country, the worst affectedare the lower paid workers in the society. Already, due to lower salaries and
hyperinflation this class is disproportionately burdened. MQMs stance is thatthe salaries of the lower paid workers must increase in proportion to the
inflation rate to keep up with the ever-increasing cost of living.
31. PRIVATISATION
MQM is in favour of privatisation in the national economy. MQM supports theprinciple and practice of privatisation. It demands that all decisions for
privatisation must be taken in the national interest. No decision must betaken which may be against the interests of the national economy. MQM
wants to be sure that on privatisation the interest of the employees of theorganisations that are privatised are fully safeguarded and job security is
provided.
MQM wants the income that is produced through privatisation to beearmarked for the payment of foreign loans and not utilised for the revenue
expenditure of the Government.
32. MERIT
MQM is in favour of the rule of merit in every walk of life and wants this tobe compulsorily adopted at all levels for the sake of the countrys progress.
MQM wants to see all laws and policies that are inconsistent with the rule ofmerit, including the Quota System, to be repealed forthwith. This unjust
Quota System has not been contributing anything for the welfare of the poorpeople, on the contrary the 2 per cent privileged class has been takingadvantage of it at the expense of the people living in backward areas. MQM
wants to see that in all industrial, commercial, fiscal, municipal governmentand non-governmental organisations, employment should be given on the
basis of merit alone.
It is MQMs stand that in order to bring progress to the people of backwardand underdeveloped areas; it is essential to remove the crutch of the Quota
System. Instead, schools, colleges, universities and other educationalinstitutions, industrial units and health centres with up to date facilities
should be established in these areas, so that these regions are brought at
par with the rest of the country. The people could then compete on the basisof merit. In this regard, special funds should be earmarked from the national
exchequer, for the progress of the backward areas.
33. DRINKING WATER
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It is extremely regrettable that in this modern age vast numbers of people inour country are deprived of clean drinking water. In order to solve this
problem, MQM wants to establish a special fund from the national exchequerand a comprehensive plan to be formulated whereby the citizens of all
regions, town and cities in the country would have access to clean drinking
water. Furthermore, in coastal areas and the cities on the seashoredesalination plants should be installed.
34. ENERGY
In the world today, procurement of energy has become extremely important.Those countries in the world are regarded as strong and stable who are self-
sufficient in energy requirements. Regrettably, our country is far behind inthis field and is seriously deficient in energy. With every passing day this
crisis is becoming more acute.
In order to solve the problem of energy, MQM wants to build more dams,atomic power houses and thermal power stations to increase the electricity
supply by utilising the country resources. It also wants to see exploration
work for oil and gas be accelerated, the efficiency of existing dams and theircapacity be enhanced, and the transmission system for electricity and gas
improved and efficiently integrated. MQM wants the private sector to beinvolved in the development of the energy industry, at the same time
ensuring that electricity and gas would still be available at an affordable cost
to the lower paid people.
35. COMMUNICATION AND TRANSPORT
In order to make communication and transport easier and for industrial and
social progress it is essential that the transport system is improved andmade safer. To achieve this, the transport system in the cities must change
over to modern modes. The condition of roads must improve and newbridges and flyovers should be built. The road building methods should be
improved and new roads and highways be constructed.
The railway system in the country is in a desperate condition. It is necessarythat revolutionary changes are brought about to the entire railway system.
In short, following the pattern of the developed countries of the world, a
massive transport program should be adopted, on the lines of the MassTransit Program. The shipping industry in the country should also be
promoted so that they may be able to build more ships.
36. HOUSING POLICIES
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In our country the housing problem has taken a very serious turn. MQMwants a comprehensive and effective policy to be formulated enabling every
citizen of the country to have a plot or a house at an affordable price so thateveryone may have some where to live. To achieve this objective, it is
essential that the private sector be given incentives to build cheaper and
affordable houses.
37. POLICE AND INTERROGATION CENTRES
In our country, the Police Administration has totally collapsed. For this
reason crime is on the increase and the law and order situation isdeteriorating day by day. There is only one way to improve the situation,
that is, the entire Police system should be restructured on scientific basis.MQM wants to restructure the Police system in such a way that educated
people are attracted to join the Police force.
MQM is in favour of local policing in all regions because people who join thePolice Department locally and perform their duties in their locality, would be
more able to control crimes in the area. MQM says that Policemen should be
recruited from the District they live in. Matriculation should be made as aminimum qualification for entry into the Police force.
There should be sufficient increase in the remuneration of ordinary
Policemen, and steps should be taken for their economic betterment so thatthey may lead their lives honourably and not be tempted into corruption and
bribery.
In the Police service an effective method of accountability must be set-up sothat necessary actions may be taken against Police officials violating the laid
down laws. Let the Administration of Accountability (Ehtesab) not only beapplicable to lower ranking officers but should also be extended to higher
ranking Police officers.
The Police department must be structured on modern scientific lines. Today,the civilised world regards the act of violence towards accused persons as
barbaric and many countries of the world prefer scientific and psychologicalmethods of interrogation. It is a matter of great regret that in our country
the interrogation centres have torture cells where the detainees are
subjected to such brutal tortures that during the course of interrogation theydie. Despite such illegal and inhuman practices, enquiries are not conducted
into such cases, let alone punishment meted out to guilty officials. With aview to correcting this deplorable situation it is essential to eliminate all
government sponsored torture cells in Police stations, forthwith. For the
purpose of interrogation modern scientific and psychological methods should
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be employed. Moreover, such laws should be passed which would awardsevere punishment to the officials who are guilty of torture during
interrogation. In this regard the powers and discretion of courts of lawshould be extended so that the aggrieved parties may get speedy and
effective justice.
38. PRISON ADMINISTRATION
The prisons are established with a view to punish the convicts as well as toreform them. In our country, the administration of prison is such that
convicts do not come out reformed but as hardened criminals. It is,therefore, essential that the administration of prisons be reformed
extensively so convicts come out of prisons reformed and not as hardenedcriminals. It is, therefore, necessary that in prisons there should be facilities
for educating the convicts.
The under-trial prisoners should not be subjected to rigorous labour inconfinement.
The convicts should have adequate facilities for medical treatment.
The prisoners should be provided with an adequate diet in accordance
with the requirement for good health.
The inmates should have facilities for exercise and study.
Every prisoner should be taught a skill so that when he comes out ofthe prison he could make an honest living.
In prisons, narcotics are freely available and used. In some cases more
narcotics are available in prisons than outside. A system of
administration should be evolved that narcotics cannot reach theinmates.
Prisoners do not bring with them items of daily use nor do the prison
authorities provide them. The prisoners, therefore, adopt unlawfulmethods to acquire those items. It is, therefore, necessary that the
prison authorities provide the items of daily use to the prisoners.
The hardened criminals and accidental or occasional criminals should
be kept separately in prisons.
There should be an improved procedure for the meeting of familymembers and relatives of the prisoners.
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Due to the shortage of vehicles in the prison administration prisonersare not brought to the courts for hearing and therefore the cases are
prolonged unnecessarily. It is, therefore, essential that the vehiclesand personnel should be made available in sufficient number for the
prisoners to be brought to the courts for hearing.
The practice of inhuman brutal torture upon prisoners should bestopped forthwith.
The convicted prisoners are not compensated for their hard labour. It
is right and proper that upon completion of their sentence they arepaid adequately for their work, so on leaving the prison they could
start leading a decent life.
In jails there is no one to care for female prisoners and the Authoritiestreat them extremely inhumanely. It is, therefore, essential that
women prisoners be given due justice and atrocities upon them to bestopped forthwith.
In order to end brutalities and atrocities in prisons, a team comprising
of High Court Judges should be appointed who would carry outsurprise visits to the prisons. Respective Chief Justices should make
the appointment of these judges so that the malpractice can be
stopped.
39. ELECTION COMMISSION
MQM considers that to hold free and fair elections it is essential that the
Election Commission be autonomous, independent and all-powerful. In orderto achieve this MQM wants that the Election Commission to be provided with
constitutional protection.
40. FLOOR CROSSING
In the politics of our country the shameful act of floor crossing is endemic.
The sapling of democracy is being severely harmed and democracy has
become a joke. Through floor crossing and horse-trading millions of voters
are being mocked. To prevent floor-crossing it is an urgent requirement thatthere should be a legislation that if any member of the assembly joins anyparty other then the party on whose ticket he was elected, his seat is
declared vacant.
41. DRUGS AND NARCOTICS
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It is unfortunate that the curse of drugs and narcotics has spread throughoutthe country. As a result, instead of providing the younger generation with
health, diet and education, they are being poisoned by narcotics. Millions ofpeople have become addicted to drugs. In this heinous trade of drugs, some
highly placed and influential people are also involved.
In order to save the country from destruction, it is imperative that the curseof drugs and narcotics should be rooted out. It is, therefore, essential that
irrespective of status and influence, whoever is involved in narcotics trade
should be subjected to the severest punishment. MQM wants not only toeliminate this curse but also wishes to establish centres where drug patients
could be rehabilitated free of charge.
42. PROMOTION OF SPORT
MQM wants to promote healthy tendencies by paying special attention to the
promotion of sports in society and to achieve this object immediate andpositive steps must be taken.
MQM further wants the selection of coaches and officials in the institutions
for national sports and the players for national teams to be selected only onmerit.
43. TOURISM
By promoting tourism we can greatly increase the States foreign exchange
earnings. MQM wants the coastal areas, northern regions and other likelytourist attractions to be developed so that tourism may flourish.
Furthermore, all the necessary measures be taken for the protection ofMoenjodaro, Harrapa, Taxila and other archaeological sites of the country.
44. OVERSEAS PAKISTANIS
Hundreds of thousands of Pakistani citizens from various parts of the country
have been living abroad for employment or businesses. These Pakistanis arenot only enhancing the good name of the country with their skills but are
also sending hard-earned foreign exchange to Pakistan. They have beenplaying a vital role in the economic stability of their country. Regrettably, to
this day no Government in the country has paid any attention to solve their
problems. These Pakistanis face tremendous difficulties in obtainingpassports, visas and acquiring travel documents from the Pakistani
Embassies and High Commissions abroad. In particular, the behaviour of thePakistani staff posted in the Embassies and High Commissions is most
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unfriendly and discourteous. It is also a general complaint that theseEmbassies and High Commissions do not offer any help to any overseas
Pakistanis in hardship. On the other hand, even in Pakistan no Governmenthas ever produced a concrete plan to take advantage of the services and
expertise of Pakistanis working abroad. The Government has not taken any
concrete measures for housing and residential projects to attract overseasPakistanis to make investments. As a result amongst these Pakistanis there
has been a great deal of unrest.
MQM wants there to be a definite plan and program to solve the genuineproblems of overseas Pakistanis and to get maximum benefits from their
services and abilities. The overseas Pakistanis can play a positive role in theprogress and prosperity of the country. In this regard it is essential that
steps are taken to remove all the shortcomings existing in the PakistaniEmbassies and High Commissions abroad.
It should be noted that to solve the problems of overseas Pakistanis, there
exists a Ministry for Overseas Pakistanis but only the Government officials,top bureaucrats and other people who have permanent links with the
establishment seem to benefit from this ministry. MQM wants steps to be
taken to ensure that this Ministry for Overseas Pakistanis is not abused,fulfils its proper role and solves the problems of Pakistanis living abroad.