Altaf says he respects army deep from heart

LONDON: Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Chief, Altaf Hussain Wednesday said he not only respects the armed forces of Pakistan but also acknowledges the sacrifices rendered by them.

Addressing the members of MQM’s Rabitta Committee in London as well as in Pakistan besides other office bearers, Altaf Hussain said the army’s status is of being the last hope for the oppressed and deprived lot of people.

“I am a Pakistani and Pakistan’s army is my army. I respect it deeply from heart,” he said in a bid to address the reservations expressed by some sections of society on the 14 questions he had posed to the Chief of Army Staff, General Raheel Sharif.

He, however, said: “If some elements clad in army uniform are responsible for blemishing the sanctity of the entire institution then identifying such elements is a duty of not just mine but of every patriot Pakistani.”

Altaf Hussain said a person in distress calls out for help only those who he believes are his well-wishers and not some strangers. “So, what crime did I commit, when I called out the army for seeking their help,” he questioned.

But, he said, in case his action hurt anyone’s sentiment, he is sorry for that.