Altaf flays elements spreading rumours over President's illness

RECORDER REPORT

KARACHI: Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Chief Altaf Hussain on Friday denounced the elements playing dirty politics by concocting false and unethical rumors over the illness of President Asif Ali Zardari, saying that the President is the symbol of federation who should be honored despite having political differences.

He urged leaders of political parties to pray for the early recovery of the President.

Addressing the gathering of MQM workers, members of Co-ordination Committee, MNAs, MPAs and Senators at Jinnah Ground on Friday on the occasion of Youm-e-Shuhada-e-Haq, he said that the press and electronic media must refrain from unnecessary speculations and giving airs to rumors.

He also denounced the attack by the NATO forces on the Salala border post in Mohmand Agency. He said that Pakistan was a sovereign country, and the US and other NATO countries must respect the sovereignty and geographical borders of Pakistan.

MQM chief welcomed the government's decisions of boycotting Bonn Conference, stopping the NATO supplies and to vacate the Shamsi Airfield from United States soon after the NATO attacks on Sahlala Check-post.

He said that the unwarranted NATO attack had united the nation, and they have given a clear message to the world that they would become solidly united if there was any threat to the national security. He invited the youth of the country to gather under the flag of MQM with a view to eliminate 'dynasty politics'.

Earlier, Altaf Hussain expressed deep sorrow over the martyrdom of Rangers officials in Safora blast.