Condemnatory reactions pouring in over Altaf's statement

KARACHI: The mainstream political parties of Pakistan have taken strong exception to Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) leader, Altaf Hussain’s demand of a separate province for Urdu-speaking residents of Sindh if the government deems they so intolerable, Geo News reported.

Following the London-based MQM supremo’s fiery telephonic broadcast, condemnatory reactions started pouring in from all the political schools of thought.

The keenest of counter-statements came form Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader, Bilawal Bhuotto Zardari.

Bilawal, on his Twitter account, posted: Marsoon Marsoon, Sindh na Ddaisun ("We will die, we will die, but won't give Sindh [to others]").

It is a famous quote by Hoshu Sheedi --General Hosh Muhammad Sheedi-- Supreme Commander of Sindh's Talpur army, who fought with valor against the British in the Battle of Dabbo and laid down his life in defense of his country.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari posted this message on Twitter shortly after MQM chief Altaf Hussain statement, but not without drawing fire from many sides.

The firebrand PPP chief also responded to his critics rather curtly.
He tweeted: "If my tweets freak you out so much wait and see what I can do from Parliament."

On the other hand PPP leader Sharjeel Memon expressed grave concern over Hussain's separatist demands.

"No one shall have even a single part of Sindh", said he..

PPP’s Khurshid Shah brushed aside MQM leader's statement saying, Altaf Hussain was like a king, who could say anything to anyone, but he should mind his ramblings.

"Someone is always incurring Hussain's wrath, but today he rained all his ire over Sindh."

Jamat e Islami (JI) Chief Syed Munawar Hasan did not stay behind in slamming Hussain's statement.

In a statement, JI chief said that the statement reeked of a conspiracy to divide the country on top of fanning anarchy.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader, Arif Alvi said Altaf Hussain should refrain from issuing such statements.

Awami National Party's (ANP) Zahid Khan in his statement stressed that his party had always been against Sindh's division.

Ayaz Paleejo, the leader of Qaumi Awami Movement, went a step further ans demanded of Altaf Hussain to withdraw his statement or else his party would take to streets against it. He also announced to stage protest demonstrations on Monday, February 6, 2013.