Summary MQM Rabita Committee termed statement an attempt to incite bigotry, demanded apology from PPP leader
KARACHI: (Dunya News) – Opposition Leader in National Assembly Syed Khurshid Shah has apologized for calling the word ‘Mohajir’ (immigrant) an abuse, Dunya News reported. Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Rabita Committee had expressed strong reservations against the statement in a press conference today (Friday). The issue has again forced MQM and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) into an adversarial situation. Rabita Committee has said that the statement was an attempt to incite ethnic hatred and had demanded an apology from Khurshid Shah.
Earlier, while talking to media in Karachi, Khurshid Shah had said that MQM should stop using the term ‘Mohajir’ for them as immigrants live in camps. He said that MQM will not be allowed to go back to India. Responding swiftly to this statement, MQM leader Haider Abbas Rizvi, while holding a press conference along with Rabita Committee, said that Khurshid Shah must take his words back and apologize for the statement.
Haider Abbas Rizvi said that 2 million immigrants migrated to Pakistan and sacrificed their lives and belongings to live the dream of Pakistan. He said that immigrants live in 80 percent of Sindh while feudal lords rule the soil. He said that Khurshid Shah’s statement has hurt feelings of the millions of immigrants living in Pakistan.
Khurshid Shah reappeared before media after Rabita Committee’s press conference and clarified his statement. He said that he was himself an ancient immigrant into the Sindh’s soil. He said that he was sorry if his statement had hurt someone’s feelings.
