MQM delegation meets South African party leaders, discusses Mohajirs' persecution

The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) South African delegation on Tuesday called on the party leaders of South African Communist Party (SACP) at Congress of South African Trade Union (COSATU) House here to discuss the persecution of Mohajirs by the armed forces in Pakistan.

The MQM South Africa delegation headed by Mohammed Saleem, member of Central Executive Committee MQM, Rashid Minai, Organiser MQM South Africa, and members of South Africa Central Organising Committee, Nasir Mohammad, Mohammad Khalid, Asad Sheikh and Nadir Mohammad met with, First Deputy General Secretary, Solly Mapaila, Second Deputy General Secretary Chris Matlhako and Ex-officio full-time Central Committee member, Reneva Fourie of SACP.

During the meeting, views were shared regarding the persecution, which had taken place with South African natives during the Apartheid era, and how under the leadership of Nelson Mandela, freedom was obtained.

Comrade Solly felt pained on hearing the news of the Mohajirs facing ongoing victimisation by the state forces of Pakistan, including the Inter-Services Intelligence Agency (ISI), para-military rangers and police forces.

The MQM South Africa delegates explained the ongoing military-led crackdown which was launched in 2013 against the MQM and its workers, saying how the leader of MQM Altaf Hussain has been the subject of a media blackout, whereby his photos and voice cannot be used across any media throughout Pakistan and labeling Hussain as a traitor and terrorist.

Also, materials regarding the extra-judicial execution of members of MQM, including the party's deputy convener, Professor Dr. Hassan Zafar Arif and details of enforced disappearances of MQM members were also handed over.

Comrade Solly was deeply concerned about the victimisation being faced in present times. He added that it reminded him of the Apartheid era, and being labelled a terrorist is nothing new to their movement as Nelson Mandela was also labelled a terrorist throughout his freedom movement.

He also referred to Hussain as "My Leader", and promised his unwavering solidarity and comradeship to Hussain and his millions of followers.

Comrade Solly also informed that the SACP will collectively seek clarification from the representatives of Pakistan based in Johannesburg in regards to the injustices being faced by Hussain, his followers and why till date an inquest has not been launched into the brutal murder of Professor Dr. Arif and 22,000 workers and sympathisers of MQM, who have been brutally murdered since 1992.

Comrade Solly and his members had sent a message to Mr. Hussain and his million of followers, "We have fought oppressors under the leadership of our liberation movement headed by the Africa National Congress (ANC) and finally secured democratic victory under our beloved leader and our father President Nelson Mandela. We lost thousands of lives, and eventually gained our freedom. Issues such as what the Mohajirs are facing in Pakistan are similar to what we have been through. We assure you of our commitment and will assist in gaining your freedom ".

He and his team assured MQM South Africa of future co-operation, and to ensure that we work together collectively for a common cause.