20000130

MQM opens international HQ in London

LONDON: The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) officially opened its international offices in London. The new offices, complete with the latest computer technology, have been built into the existing headquarters in north London.

The refurbished premises, which cost thousands of dollars, were formally opened by the British opposition's spokesperson on foreign affairs, Cheryl Gillan.

The state-of-the-art new facilities show that the MQM has no shortage of funds or supporters in Britain. The new secretariat comes complete with the latest computer software and space for 20 full time workers. It also contains special facilities for self-exiled MQM leader Altaf Hussain to broadcast live telephone messages to his supporters, who are predominantly in Karachi.

Gillan later told the BBC that in her view the MQM was "a party of peace."

"Politicians must be able to talk to other politicians about other issues. The MQM politicians in Britain have always been approachable and have always kept us informed," she added.

"That is obviously better for the party, better for their country and better for politicians here to understand the situation," Gillan said.

Hussain said that the London headquarters are to serve as "the nerve centre for the party in its campaign against atrocities being carried out against his supporters by the Pakistani authorities."

"We make reports based on what we receive from Pakistan regarding the arrests, killings, extra-judicial executions, cordoning off the areas," Hussain explained.

"We put all the reports into the Internet, e-mail and prepare reports for human rights organisations including Amnesty International," he said.

Cheryl Gillan, MP and Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs and Commonwealth, was welcomed at MQM's international secretariat by Altaf Hussain.

Also present were Dr Imran Farooq, convenor MQM coordination committee, Salim Shahzad, member coordination committee, Mohammed Anwar, chief organiser MQM UK & Europe, Tariq Mir, joint chief organiser MQM UK & Europe, other members of the coordination committee and members of the international secretariat.

Gillan visited the various departments of the secretariat including the Conference Hall, Committee Room, Newsroom, Video Room, Record Room, Computer Section and Ladies Wing.

Altaf Hussain briefed her about the situation in Pakistan and presented her with various reports of alleged human rights violations in Pakistan, copies of letters sent to the authorities, petitions filed in the Supreme Court and other documents sent to international community.

Gillan was also presented with a copy of the MQM manifesto and other literature of the party. Later at lunch, she was served with various Pakistani dishes. She remained in the secretariat for nearly 90 minutes.-Internews