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The Founder and Leader of Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) Mr Altaf Hussain has said that the overseas Pakistanis were an asset for the country, and hence their patriotism should not be called into question. He appealed to the Chief Justice of Pakistan Mr Justice Iftakhar Muhammad Chaudhry, other honourable judges of the Supreme Court and people at the helm of affairs to reconsider the issue of the dual nationality. He said this while talking to the members of the Co-ordination Committee at the International Secretariat of the MQM in London.
Mr Hussain said that the overseas Pakistanis had always helped the country in difficult times, particularly their services at the time of natural disasters in the country were highly praiseworthy. He said Pakistanis living in foreign countries, whether they lived in USA, UK, France or any other country, were the ambassadors of Pakistan, hence their loyalty to Pakistan should not be called into question. They should not be treated in a way to make them believe that they were second-class citizens of Pakistan.
Mr Hussain said that it was in the larger interest of the nation not to consider overseas Pakistanis as disloyal. The issue of the dual nationality should be considered with sympathy, and they should be allowed to participate in elections and exercise their right to vote. He appealed to judges, lawyers, intellectuals, columnists, and people belonging to different spheres of life to play their role in restoring the rights of the overseas Pakistanis.
Mr Hussain praised the residents of Defence, Clifton and other areas of Karachi in organizing a peace walk in Clifton. He said that the enthusiasm with which the people of Karachi took part in the walk and demolished the differences of the rich and poor had few examples.
Mr Hussain prayed for the improvement of the law and order situation in the country, particularly in Karachi.