Pakistan's constitutional state structure is "quite anti-people" and it is unresponsive to the voice of oppressed people of the country, Pakistani poet and human rights advocate, IA Rehman said, while adding that enforced disappearance and forceful conversion of girls from minorities to Islam are a "matter of great concern".&nbsp;

Speaking at a webinar organised by World Sindhi Congress (WSC) on Saturday, Rehman said that the situation in context to human rights is "far from satisfactory" in Pakistan but people have started speaking against the atrocities by the government.&nbsp;

The webinar was also attended by several human rights advocates including Rights activist Baseer Naveed, Convenor of VMP Sindh Forum Sorath Lohar, and activist Dilshad Bhutto.&nbsp;

"Unfortunately, the state structure is quite anti-people. It is not responsive to the voice of oppressed people. Some of the chronic problems are enforced disappearances. People disappear and their dead bodies are found on the roadside. It is a serious problem in Pakistan and the state has not responded to it," he said.

"We can say that minorities are doing all right but the fact is they are not. Forced conversion, abduction of minorities' girls, and conversion to Islam are being done. The Justice Department is not in a position to address the people's problem. This is a matter of serious concern to all human rights activist s that we have not been able to check forced conversion in the Sindh, Balochistan," he added.

Pakistan's establishment has been long criticised over its practice of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings by International bodies and local human rights organisations that dare to speak out on the issue. According to the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances, an entity established by the Pakistani government, around 5,000 cases of enforced disappearances of the Baloch people have been registered since 2014. Most of them, however, remain unresolved so far.

Independent local and international human rights organisations put the numbers much higher. Around 20,000 have reportedly been abducted only from Balochistan, out of which more than 2,500 have turned up dead as bullet-riddled dead bodies, bearing signs of extreme torture. Naveed said that the "impunity" is "very high in Sindh" as Pakistan Army and Rangers have seized the region due to which government and administration can not function.&nbsp;

"The army is ruling in Sindh and it is not allowing all law and order to establish here. The government and administration are useless as the region is seized by the Army and the rangers. Impunity is very high in Sindh," he said.&nbsp;

According to the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances, an entity established by the Pakistani government, around 5,000 cases of enforced disappearances of the Baloch people have been registered since 2014. Most of them, however, remain unresolved so far.

Independent local and international human rights organisations put the numbers much higher. Around 20,000 have reportedly been abducted only from Balochistan, out of which more than 2,500 have turned up dead as bullet-riddled dead bodies, bearing signs of extreme torture. Before being elected as Prime Minister, Imran Khan had admitted in multiple TV interviews the involvement of Pakistan's intelligence agencies in enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings and vowed to resign if he was unable to put an end to the practice, holding those involved responsible.

Pakistan's constitutional state structure is "quite anti-people" and it is unresponsive to the voice of oppressed people of the country, Pakistani poet and human rights advocate, IA Rehman said, while adding that enforced disappearance and forceful conversion of girls from minorities to Islam are a "matter of great concern".

Pakistan's constitutional state structure is "quite anti-people" and it is unresponsive to the voice of oppressed people of the country, Pakistani poet and human rights advocate, IA Rehman said, while adding that enforced disappearance and forceful conversion of girls from minorities to Islam are a "matter of great concern". Speaking at a webinar organised by World Sindhi Congress (WSC) on Saturday, Rehman said that the situation in context to human rights is "far from satisfactory" in Pakistan but people have started speaking against the atrocities by the government. The webinar was also attended by several human rights advocates including Rights activist Baseer Naveed, Convenor of VMP Sindh Forum Sorath Lohar, and activist Dilshad Bhutto. "Unfortunately, the state structure is quite anti-people. It is not responsive to the voice of oppressed people. Some of the chronic problems are enforced disappearances. People disappear and their dead bodies are found on the roadside. It is a serious problem in Pakistan and the state has not responded to it," he said. "We can say that minorities are doing all right but the fact is they are not. Forced conversion, abduction of minorities' girls, and conversion to Islam are being done. The Justice Department is not in a position to address the people's problem. This is a matter of serious concern to all human rights activist s that we have not been able to check forced conversion in the Sindh, Balochistan," he added. Pakistan's establishment has been long criticised over its practice of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings by International bodies and local human rights organisations that dare to speak out on the issue. According to the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances, an entity established by the Pakistani government, around 5,000 cases of enforced disappearances of the Baloch people have been registered since 2014. Most of them, however, remain unresolved so far. Independent local and international human rights organisations put the numbers much higher. Around 20,000 have reportedly been abducted only from Balochistan, out of which more than 2,500 have turned up dead as bullet-riddled dead bodies, bearing signs of extreme torture. Naveed said that the "impunity" is "very high in Sindh" as Pakistan Army and Rangers have seized the region due to which government and administration can not function. "The army is ruling in Sindh and it is not allowing all law and order to establish here. The government and administration are useless as the region is seized by the Army and the rangers. Impunity is very high in Sindh," he said. According to the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances, an entity established by the Pakistani government, around 5,000 cases of enforced disappearances of the Baloch people have been registered since 2014. Most of them, however, remain unresolved so far. Independent local and international human rights organisations put the numbers much higher. Around 20,000 have reportedly been abducted only from Balochistan, out of which more than 2,500 have turned up dead as bullet-riddled dead bodies, bearing signs of extreme torture. Before being elected as Prime Minister, Imran Khan had admitted in multiple TV interviews the involvement of Pakistan's intelligence agencies in enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings and vowed to resign if he was unable to put an end to the practice, holding those involved responsible.

Pakistan state structure is 'anti-people', unresponsive to voices of oppressed: Poet Ibn Abdur Rehman

A US-based group representing expatriate Mohajirs on Monday called for the creation of an autonomous "Greater Karachi" within Pakistan.

The demand came in soon after India moved to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-now-a-union-territory-ladakh-to-be-administered-from-delhi-as-ut-240769">end Kashmir`s special status</a>.&nbsp;

The group seeks for complete autonomy to all<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/baloch-activists-disrupt-pakistan-prime-minister-imran-khans-speech-in-us-237564"> ethnic entities </a>and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-has-been-changing-demography-of-pok-gilgit-baltistan-activists-240014">regions</a> that are part of Pakistan`s own territory.

"Until Pakistan affords the same rights it is demanding for Kashmiris to its own Mohajir, Baloch, Pashtuns and Hazarah citizens, it has no moral right to speak on behalf of Kashmiris," Voice of Karachi (VOK) chairman Nadeem Nusrat told ANI.

As India revoked Kashmir`s special status, in anticipation of the announcement, the Pakistani Foreign Ministry condemned the Indian announcement as a violation of United Nations resolutions, saying in a statement on Monday that "Pakistan will exercise all possible options to counter the illegal steps."

Nadeem Nusrat, who is in self-exile in the US, said Pakistan has no moral ground to plead Kashmiris case at any regional or international forum if it is depriving its own citizens of their fundamental human rights.

"While Pakistan demands right to a referendum in Kashmir, is it willing to grant the same right to its own disgruntled ethnic minorities?", asked Nadeem Nusrat.

"For decades, Pakistani ministers have been publicly conducting meetings with Kashmiri separatist leaders overseas. How would Pakistan react to Indian minister`s meetings with exiled Mohajir, Baloch and representatives of other persecuted ethnic or religious minorities of Pakistan?," the Mohajir leader further added.

Nusrat asserted that a global campaign will soon be launched to intensify its efforts in demanding the restructuring of Pakistan.

The campaign will be in accordance with the true spirit of the 1940 Lahore Resolution and as per the aspirations of Mohajirs, Baloch, Pashtuns and people of Gilgit Baltistan.

The Voice of Karachi chairman said that his organisation has already published the proposed map of the Greater Karachi and will soon issue the chief articles of its proposed constitution a day before Pakistan`s Independence Day.

A US-based group representing expatriate Mohajirs on Monday called for the creation of an autonomous "Greater Karachi" within Pakistan. The demand came in soon after India moved to end Kashmir`s special status.

A US-based group representing expatriate Mohajirs on Monday called for the creation of an autonomous "Greater Karachi" within Pakistan. The demand came in soon after India moved to end Kashmir`s special status. The group seeks for complete autonomy to all ethnic entities and regions that are part of Pakistan`s own territory. "Until Pakistan affords the same rights it is demanding for Kashmiris to its own Mohajir, Baloch, Pashtuns and Hazarah citizens, it has no moral right to speak on behalf of Kashmiris," Voice of Karachi (VOK) chairman Nadeem Nusrat told ANI. As India revoked Kashmir`s special status, in anticipation of the announcement, the Pakistani Foreign Ministry condemned the Indian announcement as a violation of United Nations resolutions, saying in a statement on Monday that "Pakistan will exercise all possible options to counter the illegal steps." Nadeem Nusrat, who is in self-exile in the US, said Pakistan has no moral ground to plead Kashmiris case at any regional or international forum if it is depriving its own citizens of their fundamental human rights. "While Pakistan demands right to a referendum in Kashmir, is it willing to grant the same right to its own disgruntled ethnic minorities?", asked Nadeem Nusrat. "For decades, Pakistani ministers have been publicly conducting meetings with Kashmiri separatist leaders overseas. How would Pakistan react to Indian minister`s meetings with exiled Mohajir, Baloch and representatives of other persecuted ethnic or religious minorities of Pakistan?," the Mohajir leader further added. Nusrat asserted that a global campaign will soon be launched to intensify its efforts in demanding the restructuring of Pakistan. The campaign will be in accordance with the true spirit of the 1940 Lahore Resolution and as per the aspirations of Mohajirs, Baloch, Pashtuns and people of Gilgit Baltistan. The Voice of Karachi chairman said that his organisation has already published the proposed map of the Greater Karachi and will soon issue the chief articles of its proposed constitution a day before Pakistan`s Independence Day.

Pakistan has no moral ground to plead Kashmir's case if it is depriving own citizens': Mohajir leader

A US-based non-profit organisation, the South Asian Minorities Alliance Foundation, has written a letter to US President Donald Trump highlighting the abuses faced by Mohajirs in Pakistan, ahead of the leader`s meeting with the South Asian country`s <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khan-meets-pakistan-businessmen-during-us-visit-237467">Prime Minister Imran Khan</a> on Monday.

In his letter, the organisation`s founder, Nadeem Nusrat, urged Trump to "raise several critical issues" with Khan during their upcoming meeting.&nbsp;

This includes the state of affairs in Karachi -- home to Mohajirs -- which remains deprived of even the most basic civic facilities, according to Nadeem.

He highlighted that Karachi`s millions of frustrated, poor, and unemployed, yet talented and educated, youth could easily fall prey to religious extremists, including ISIS, which recently vowed to make Pakistan its next powerbase.

"Reforms in Karachi are the key to turning the corner on resisting the terrorist sanctuaries in Pakistan to benefit not only the interest of the US but those of the civilized world," Nadeem stated in his letter.

"As we all know, criminal and terrorist forces thrive in places where frustration, poverty and hunger dominate. This is why it is critical from the US safety and security perspective to work closely with Pakistan to ensure justice for people living in urban Sindh. Again, largescale political and financial reforms in Karachi are key to the elimination of the terrorist elements in Pakistan," he added.

He highlighted a few focus areas in Karachi which could be raised during the Khan-Trump meeting.&nbsp;

They range from the fair representation of the people of Karachi to the persecution of Mohajirs, or Indian Muslims who migrated to Pakistan after the partition of India in 1947.

"There must be a crack-down on the draconian brutality of the actions of the quasi-military police force which is the source of deaths, kidnappings, enforced disappearances, political engineering, and basic civil rights abuses," Nadeem said.

"Law and order is a serious issue in Karachi. Over 90 per cent of the personnel of every law enforcement agency operating in Karachi is recruited from outside the city. At first brush, that may not seem important. However, we get back to the ethnic and cultural prejudice," he wrote.

"The large majority of Karachi citizens subject to these abuses are Urdu-speaking Mohajirs: Mohajirs are the descendants of those Indian Muslims who migrated to Pakistan after the partition of India in 1947; The religious, cultural and ethnic differences of these Mohajirs from the law enforcement personnel, who are not Mohajirs, is the basis of the gross human rights atrocities," Nadeem stated.

"These non-local security forces treat citizens of Karachi with utmost disrespect and contempt. Human rights violations are a daily occurrence and thousands of Karachi`s citizens have gone missing in the last few years after being taken into unlawful custody by non-local law enforcement agencies.&nbsp;

Around 25,000 people in Karachi have also been killed in fake encounters at the hands of police and paramilitary forces," he said, highlighting the issue of enforced disappearances in Pakistan.

He also outlined that a few law enforcement agencies patronise and protect organised criminal gangs -- known as tanker mafia -- that steal Karachi`s water from main pipelines and sell it to Karachi`s poor residents through privately-owned tankers at exorbitant prices.

"In addition, two federal governments in Pakistan, in 1990 and 1996, were dissolved due to their involvement in extrajudicial executions of Karachi citizens, but the state has prosecuted even a single culprit responsible for these crimes against humanity. These facts have been reported by Amnesty International, UNO`s Commission on Human Rights, UNO`s Special Group on Enforced and Involuntary Disappearance, as well as many other independent human rights organizations," he added.

Nadeem further stated that these intimidation tactics to politically control the population of Karachi through the denial of basic human needs and the right of representation are adverse to the political and security interest of the US.

"If it continues, ISIS and similar terrorist organisations can prey on the vulnerabilities of this Karachi population and find sanctuaries there...Chinese influence is sneaking its way into the Karachi vicinity and maybe in a position, with the direct or indirect approval of the Pakistan government, to lure those needy citizens of Karachi to work and thereby be brought into the influence of the Chinese government," he stated.

"The World Bank has catalogued even more problems than I have described in this letter that the city of Karachi is facing. The authors of the report have made some important recommendations besides strongly urging the Pakistan Government to spend at least 10 billion dollars every year on top of the city`s regular annual budget to make Karachi a viable city. Both federal and Sindh governments, however, have refused to implement any of those recommendations," the founder said.

He requested Trump to instruct the US State Department and the USAID to work closely with Karachi and Pakistan`s elected leadership to promote fair representation of the citizens of Karachi in the local and national government, free speech, religious freedom, free trade, freedom from oppressive para-military police force actions and provide opportunities for basic human development.

A US-based non-profit organisation, the South Asian Minorities Alliance Foundation, has written a letter to US President Donald Trump highlighting the abuses faced by Mohajirs in Pakistan, ahead of the leader`s meeting with the South Asian country`s Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday.

A US-based non-profit organisation, the South Asian Minorities Alliance Foundation, has written a letter to US President Donald Trump highlighting the abuses faced by Mohajirs in Pakistan, ahead of the leader`s meeting with the South Asian country`s Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday. In his letter, the organisation`s founder, Nadeem Nusrat, urged Trump to "raise several critical issues" with Khan during their upcoming meeting. This includes the state of affairs in Karachi -- home to Mohajirs -- which remains deprived of even the most basic civic facilities, according to Nadeem. He highlighted that Karachi`s millions of frustrated, poor, and unemployed, yet talented and educated, youth could easily fall prey to religious extremists, including ISIS, which recently vowed to make Pakistan its next powerbase. "Reforms in Karachi are the key to turning the corner on resisting the terrorist sanctuaries in Pakistan to benefit not only the interest of the US but those of the civilized world," Nadeem stated in his letter. "As we all know, criminal and terrorist forces thrive in places where frustration, poverty and hunger dominate. This is why it is critical from the US safety and security perspective to work closely with Pakistan to ensure justice for people living in urban Sindh. Again, largescale political and financial reforms in Karachi are key to the elimination of the terrorist elements in Pakistan," he added. He highlighted a few focus areas in Karachi which could be raised during the Khan-Trump meeting. They range from the fair representation of the people of Karachi to the persecution of Mohajirs, or Indian Muslims who migrated to Pakistan after the partition of India in 1947. "There must be a crack-down on the draconian brutality of the actions of the quasi-military police force which is the source of deaths, kidnappings, enforced disappearances, political engineering, and basic civil rights abuses," Nadeem said. "Law and order is a serious issue in Karachi. Over 90 per cent of the personnel of every law enforcement agency operating in Karachi is recruited from outside the city. At first brush, that may not seem important. However, we get back to the ethnic and cultural prejudice," he wrote. "The large majority of Karachi citizens subject to these abuses are Urdu-speaking Mohajirs: Mohajirs are the descendants of those Indian Muslims who migrated to Pakistan after the partition of India in 1947; The religious, cultural and ethnic differences of these Mohajirs from the law enforcement personnel, who are not Mohajirs, is the basis of the gross human rights atrocities," Nadeem stated. "These non-local security forces treat citizens of Karachi with utmost disrespect and contempt. Human rights violations are a daily occurrence and thousands of Karachi`s citizens have gone missing in the last few years after being taken into unlawful custody by non-local law enforcement agencies. Around 25,000 people in Karachi have also been killed in fake encounters at the hands of police and paramilitary forces," he said, highlighting the issue of enforced disappearances in Pakistan. He also outlined that a few law enforcement agencies patronise and protect organised criminal gangs -- known as tanker mafia -- that steal Karachi`s water from main pipelines and sell it to Karachi`s poor residents through privately-owned tankers at exorbitant prices. "In addition, two federal governments in Pakistan, in 1990 and 1996, were dissolved due to their involvement in extrajudicial executions of Karachi citizens, but the state has prosecuted even a single culprit responsible for these crimes against humanity. These facts have been reported by Amnesty International, UNO`s Commission on Human Rights, UNO`s Special Group on Enforced and Involuntary Disappearance, as well as many other independent human rights organizations," he added. Nadeem further stated that these intimidation tactics to politically control the population of Karachi through the denial of basic human needs and the right of representation are adverse to the political and security interest of the US. "If it continues, ISIS and similar terrorist organisations can prey on the vulnerabilities of this Karachi population and find sanctuaries there...Chinese influence is sneaking its way into the Karachi vicinity and maybe in a position, with the direct or indirect approval of the Pakistan government, to lure those needy citizens of Karachi to work and thereby be brought into the influence of the Chinese government," he stated. "The World Bank has catalogued even more problems than I have described in this letter that the city of Karachi is facing. The authors of the report have made some important recommendations besides strongly urging the Pakistan Government to spend at least 10 billion dollars every year on top of the city`s regular annual budget to make Karachi a viable city. Both federal and Sindh governments, however, have refused to implement any of those recommendations," the founder said. He requested Trump to instruct the US State Department and the USAID to work closely with Karachi and Pakistan`s elected leadership to promote fair representation of the citizens of Karachi in the local and national government, free speech, religious freedom, free trade, freedom from oppressive para-military police force actions and provide opportunities for basic human development.

Trump apprised of persecution of Mohajirs in Pakistan ahead of meeting with Imran Khan

In a significant development, the leader of the Mohajir Qaumi Movement or MQM, Altaf Hussain, has called for self-determination for the Mohajir people - virtually signalling a plan to break away from Pakistan.

The MQM said that Pakistan's Military repressive actions date back to decades and the non-Punjabi nations like Baloch, Pashtuns, Sindhis and Kashmiris, settled in different provinces of the country, are forced to live like slaves and have been facing genocide. The organisation further said that these nations have been completely irked and now want freedom from Punjabi establishment's repressive dominance.

The political faction also said that the Mohajirs, in particular, are fully repressed, being restricted from involvement in politics and welfare acts. They allege that both MQM, their representative party, and Hussain, their leader, are being placed under an embargo.

The MQM's founder has now demanded the right for the self-determination in Pakistan under the aegis of the UN.

He has also invited other oppressed "nations", like the Pashtun, the Baloch and others to join him in the demand for the right of self-determination. Hussain outlined that he is not eager to lead the movement, stating that anybody from the "oppressed nations" could choose to be the leader of the movement for self-determination.

He further called on countries like the UK, USA, France, Australia, Germany and others to cease giving aid to Pakistan because it provides sanctuary to terrorism.

In his special message to the international community, Hussain said, "I appeal to the United Nations Secretary-General, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and all renowned Human Rights Organisations worldwide to take heed of my words."

He said he would like to draw their attention to the draconian measures being carried out against the Mohajirs, Pashtuns and Balochs living in Pakistan, the "humiliation being carried out by the Pakistan Army, ISI, Rangers, Police and civil-dressed officers during the illegal raids and abductions tantamount to criminal offence". "The inhumane torture being inflicted upon the Mohajirs, Pashtuns and Balochs, and then ultimately subjecting them to enforced disappearances, their family members, including their women, young children and the elderly are not even spared by the brutal forces of Pakistan," he added.

"This outdated measure of draconian torture, illegal raids, arbitrary detentions, are all carried out by the ruthless deep state. No respect is afforded to the families or victims, every member of the family is targeted without due legal process, no legal warrant or permission from any judicial authority is produced before they carry out these illegal actions," he said.

Hussain also mentioned that once abducted, the families do not even know if their loved ones are alive or dead. No authority co-operates with them and bodies are found in the suburban areas where they are killed and dumped. The bodies bear marks of inhumane suffering and the affected families fear every day that one of the bodies dumped so could be of their loved one, according to him.

Since 2013, over 15,000 Mohajir, Pashtun and Baloch office-bearers, workers and sympathisers have been the subject of enforced disappearances and sadly, none as yet has been held accountable for these abductions, Hussain stated.

He put forth that this is a blatant violation of human rights. "Pakistan is besieged by the Pakistani Army, ISI, Rangers and Police and this country has lost control and is currently in the phase of an undeclared martial law, where freedom of expression, freedom of speech or freedom to associate themselves to any political party of their choice is infringed upon," the MQM leader remarked.

He said that if a journalist expresses his concern over these violations and dares to cover the story, he will have only two options - either he will be told by the deep state to stop or his body will be found in a suburban area.

He requested all democratic countries, which provide assistance, and have afforded Pakistan a GSP+ status in the form of preferential support, to halt all funds until they send their representatives to enquire into these gross violations of human rights against the Mohajirs, Pashtuns and Balochs and approach those innocent civilians who have been the subject of these violations and their lives have been destroyed, and hold Pakistan accountable to their commitment to ensure that human rights are not violated.

He said, "I want to mention a few prime examples of the illegal abductions carried out by the deep state, a progressive, leader Momin Khan Momin, whose plight has been raised by Amnesty International."

He highlighted that Khan is frail and is undergoing cancer treatment. He was abducted with his son in the early hours of 31st January at 4 a.m., In this context, look at the tweets of South Asia Amnesty representative Rabia Mehmood. His only crime was his affiliation with the MQM, Hussain opined.

Furthermore, in 2018, Hassan Zafar Arif, a PhD from Harvard University was abducted and taken to the torture chamber of the ISI and Army, Hussian said. He was murdered due to the torture in custody; his body was dumped in the suburban areas of Karachi. Similarly, Naqeeb Allah Mehsud and three of his colleagues were abducted by the militaries henchmen Rao Anwar. He was brutally murdered. Conversely, Syed Ali Raza Abidi, who was MQM designee, was murdered on Christmas Eve 2018, Hussain put forth.

He said that he could not explain in detail, but if the democratic countries of the world might send their rapporteurs, they can enquire with the women of the Mohajir community about how their chastity and respect was desecrated by the Army. The Deep State has started the same illegal acts it carried out against the Bengalis in 1970, he remarked.

He said that he has faith and hope, that as democratic countries they will raise the voice of those going unheard or else the failure will result in annihilation. He also requested on an 'SOS basis' to intervene and help the helpless Mohajirs, Pashtuns and Balochs.

Mohajirs have no choice but to seek the assistance of the international community, and demand that a UN referendum be held in the urban areas of Sindh, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and let the people decide if they want to live under the occupation of Pakistan's demonic army and deep state or not, Hussian outlined.

"They have suffered from the genocidal actions of the ghoulish Pakistan army since past 71 years and they now want to live free from danger and that they want a right to self-determination. The UN should take immediate action on the appeals of millions of Mohajirs, Balochs and Pashtuns to fulfil this justified demand as mentioned in the UN charter," Hussain appealed.

He further slammed the ones posing as MQM in Pakistan, putting forth that they were supported by the ISI. "I want to bring to your attention that those in Pakistan using the title of MQM are traitors of the nation. These traitors, who are being supported by the ISI, they are the puppets of the Pakistan army and Deep State," Hussain noted

There is only one MQM and that is the one founded by him in 1978 as APMSO as a student wing, then progressed to the Mohajir Qaumi Movement and then subsequently to the Muttahidda Qaumi Movement, Hussain said.

He also added that his family home and nearby offices have been illegally sealed by the Army and Deep State and at least 22,000 Mohajirs have been extra-judicially killed through brutal draconian style torture techniques.

He said that during raids it has become a normal practice of the day to treat the elderly and women disgracefully, not only beat them but desecrate their private life, it is a common routine to abuse and molest women.

In this situation, when the constitution of Pakistan and Judiciary are not providing any protection to the Mohajirs, what option they have other than to approach the United Nations to seek their right to self-determination, he asked.

He also condemned the discrimination being faced by the Baloch and Pashtuns, who are subjected to enforced disappearances. Similarly, thousands of Balochs have been killed extra-judicially and hundreds of Baloch girls are kidnapped and taken to the military cantonment and then raped, he revealed. In order to save their lives, the Balouch need to raise their voice to seek their right to self-determination. If they would fail to do so, it will only result in further deaths, enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings, he put forth.

He also appealed to the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement leaders and those genuine leaders to get united and raise their voice collectively to stop the ongoing genocide of the Mohajirs, Pashtuns and Balochs and raise their voice at the United Nations.

In a significant development, the leader of the Mohajir Qaumi Movement or MQM, Altaf Hussain, has called for self-determination for the Mohajir people - virtually signalling a plan to break away from Pakistan.

In a significant development, the leader of the Mohajir Qaumi Movement or MQM, Altaf Hussain, has called for self-determination for the Mohajir people - virtually signalling a plan to break away from Pakistan. The MQM said that Pakistan's Military repressive actions date back to decades and the non-Punjabi nations like Baloch, Pashtuns, Sindhis and Kashmiris, settled in different provinces of the country, are forced to live like slaves and have been facing genocide. The organisation further said that these nations have been completely irked and now want freedom from Punjabi establishment's repressive dominance. The political faction also said that the Mohajirs, in particular, are fully repressed, being restricted from involvement in politics and welfare acts. They allege that both MQM, their representative party, and Hussain, their leader, are being placed under an embargo. The MQM's founder has now demanded the right for the self-determination in Pakistan under the aegis of the UN. He has also invited other oppressed "nations", like the Pashtun, the Baloch and others to join him in the demand for the right of self-determination. Hussain outlined that he is not eager to lead the movement, stating that anybody from the "oppressed nations" could choose to be the leader of the movement for self-determination. He further called on countries like the UK, USA, France, Australia, Germany and others to cease giving aid to Pakistan because it provides sanctuary to terrorism. In his special message to the international community, Hussain said, "I appeal to the United Nations Secretary-General, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and all renowned Human Rights Organisations worldwide to take heed of my words." He said he would like to draw their attention to the draconian measures being carried out against the Mohajirs, Pashtuns and Balochs living in Pakistan, the "humiliation being carried out by the Pakistan Army, ISI, Rangers, Police and civil-dressed officers during the illegal raids and abductions tantamount to criminal offence". "The inhumane torture being inflicted upon the Mohajirs, Pashtuns and Balochs, and then ultimately subjecting them to enforced disappearances, their family members, including their women, young children and the elderly are not even spared by the brutal forces of Pakistan," he added. "This outdated measure of draconian torture, illegal raids, arbitrary detentions, are all carried out by the ruthless deep state. No respect is afforded to the families or victims, every member of the family is targeted without due legal process, no legal warrant or permission from any judicial authority is produced before they carry out these illegal actions," he said. Hussain also mentioned that once abducted, the families do not even know if their loved ones are alive or dead. No authority co-operates with them and bodies are found in the suburban areas where they are killed and dumped. The bodies bear marks of inhumane suffering and the affected families fear every day that one of the bodies dumped so could be of their loved one, according to him. Since 2013, over 15,000 Mohajir, Pashtun and Baloch office-bearers, workers and sympathisers have been the subject of enforced disappearances and sadly, none as yet has been held accountable for these abductions, Hussain stated. He put forth that this is a blatant violation of human rights. "Pakistan is besieged by the Pakistani Army, ISI, Rangers and Police and this country has lost control and is currently in the phase of an undeclared martial law, where freedom of expression, freedom of speech or freedom to associate themselves to any political party of their choice is infringed upon," the MQM leader remarked. He said that if a journalist expresses his concern over these violations and dares to cover the story, he will have only two options - either he will be told by the deep state to stop or his body will be found in a suburban area. He requested all democratic countries, which provide assistance, and have afforded Pakistan a GSP+ status in the form of preferential support, to halt all funds until they send their representatives to enquire into these gross violations of human rights against the Mohajirs, Pashtuns and Balochs and approach those innocent civilians who have been the subject of these violations and their lives have been destroyed, and hold Pakistan accountable to their commitment to ensure that human rights are not violated. He said, "I want to mention a few prime examples of the illegal abductions carried out by the deep state, a progressive, leader Momin Khan Momin, whose plight has been raised by Amnesty International." He highlighted that Khan is frail and is undergoing cancer treatment. He was abducted with his son in the early hours of 31st January at 4 a.m., In this context, look at the tweets of South Asia Amnesty representative Rabia Mehmood. His only crime was his affiliation with the MQM, Hussain opined. Furthermore, in 2018, Hassan Zafar Arif, a PhD from Harvard University was abducted and taken to the torture chamber of the ISI and Army, Hussian said. He was murdered due to the torture in custody; his body was dumped in the suburban areas of Karachi. Similarly, Naqeeb Allah Mehsud and three of his colleagues were abducted by the militaries henchmen Rao Anwar. He was brutally murdered. Conversely, Syed Ali Raza Abidi, who was MQM designee, was murdered on Christmas Eve 2018, Hussain put forth. He said that he could not explain in detail, but if the democratic countries of the world might send their rapporteurs, they can enquire with the women of the Mohajir community about how their chastity and respect was desecrated by the Army. The Deep State has started the same illegal acts it carried out against the Bengalis in 1970, he remarked. He said that he has faith and hope, that as democratic countries they will raise the voice of those going unheard or else the failure will result in annihilation. He also requested on an 'SOS basis' to intervene and help the helpless Mohajirs, Pashtuns and Balochs. Mohajirs have no choice but to seek the assistance of the international community, and demand that a UN referendum be held in the urban areas of Sindh, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and let the people decide if they want to live under the occupation of Pakistan's demonic army and deep state or not, Hussian outlined. "They have suffered from the genocidal actions of the ghoulish Pakistan army since past 71 years and they now want to live free from danger and that they want a right to self-determination. The UN should take immediate action on the appeals of millions of Mohajirs, Balochs and Pashtuns to fulfil this justified demand as mentioned in the UN charter," Hussain appealed. He further slammed the ones posing as MQM in Pakistan, putting forth that they were supported by the ISI. "I want to bring to your attention that those in Pakistan using the title of MQM are traitors of the nation. These traitors, who are being supported by the ISI, they are the puppets of the Pakistan army and Deep State," Hussain noted There is only one MQM and that is the one founded by him in 1978 as APMSO as a student wing, then progressed to the Mohajir Qaumi Movement and then subsequently to the Muttahidda Qaumi Movement, Hussain said. He also added that his family home and nearby offices have been illegally sealed by the Army and Deep State and at least 22,000 Mohajirs have been extra-judicially killed through brutal draconian style torture techniques. He said that during raids it has become a normal practice of the day to treat the elderly and women disgracefully, not only beat them but desecrate their private life, it is a common routine to abuse and molest women. In this situation, when the constitution of Pakistan and Judiciary are not providing any protection to the Mohajirs, what option they have other than to approach the United Nations to seek their right to self-determination, he asked. He also condemned the discrimination being faced by the Baloch and Pashtuns, who are subjected to enforced disappearances. Similarly, thousands of Balochs have been killed extra-judicially and hundreds of Baloch girls are kidnapped and taken to the military cantonment and then raped, he revealed. In order to save their lives, the Balouch need to raise their voice to seek their right to self-determination. If they would fail to do so, it will only result in further deaths, enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings, he put forth. He also appealed to the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement leaders and those genuine leaders to get united and raise their voice collectively to stop the ongoing genocide of the Mohajirs, Pashtuns and Balochs and raise their voice at the United Nations.

MQM leader Hussain calls for self-determination for Mohajirs under UN charter

A United States-based advocacy group, Voice of Karachi, has held important meetings in Washington DC&nbsp;with the Congressmen and members of powerful House committees over the latest situation in Pakistan and South Asia region.

Nadeem Nusrat, Chairman of the Voice of Karachi, met influential US Congressmen and members of House Foreign Affairs Committee, Ted Yoho and Tom Garrett, and held another important meeting with House Majority leader Tim McCarthy in Washington DC&nbsp;Representative McCarthy is the front-runner to become the Chairman of the House following the current speaker's decision to not seek the reelection this year.

Nusrat apprised the US lawmakers of the victimisation and persecution of Mohajirs, Balochs, Pashtuns, Gilgitis and Hazaras by the state of Pakistan. He briefed them about the role of Pakistan's spy agency Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) in providing safe havens to terror outfits in the port city of Karachi. He said that the ISI was fueling extremism and terrorism as a tool to advance its own agenda in the region, which was destabilising South Asia.

He also told the US legislators that Pakistan's oppressed ethnic and religious communities were looking towards the United States and the international community to play their role in stopping state atrocities being committed by the Pakistani security forces, ISI in particular. He emphasised that the world needed to act to stop human rights abuses in Karachi, Balochistan, Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and Gilgit Baltistan in order to save innocent human lives.

In these meetings, Nusrat extended his support to the US administration in its efforts to curb terrorism and bring peace, harmony, and stability in South Asia.

The Voice of Karachi has been working to raise global awareness about injustices and human rights violations that Urdu-speaking Mohajirs and other ethnic and religious minorities have been facing in Pakistan. This group has also been running the Free Karachi campaign in the US since January 15 this year.

More than 22,000 Mohajirs have been brutally killed in military actions in Karachi since 1992. Enforced disappearances are a routine urban Sindh where hundreds of MQM workers and supporters are missing in the latest phase of security operation launched in 2013.

A United States-based advocacy group, Voice of Karachi, has held important meetings in Washington DC with the Congressmen and members of powerful House committees over the latest situation in Pakistan and South Asia region

A United States-based advocacy group, Voice of Karachi, has held important meetings in Washington DC with the Congressmen and members of powerful House committees over the latest situation in Pakistan and South Asia region. Nadeem Nusrat, Chairman of the Voice of Karachi, met influential US Congressmen and members of House Foreign Affairs Committee, Ted Yoho and Tom Garrett, and held another important meeting with House Majority leader Tim McCarthy in Washington DC Representative McCarthy is the front-runner to become the Chairman of the House following the current speaker's decision to not seek the reelection this year. Nusrat apprised the US lawmakers of the victimisation and persecution of Mohajirs, Balochs, Pashtuns, Gilgitis and Hazaras by the state of Pakistan. He briefed them about the role of Pakistan's spy agency Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) in providing safe havens to terror outfits in the port city of Karachi. He said that the ISI was fueling extremism and terrorism as a tool to advance its own agenda in the region, which was destabilising South Asia. He also told the US legislators that Pakistan's oppressed ethnic and religious communities were looking towards the United States and the international community to play their role in stopping state atrocities being committed by the Pakistani security forces, ISI in particular. He emphasised that the world needed to act to stop human rights abuses in Karachi, Balochistan, Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and Gilgit Baltistan in order to save innocent human lives. In these meetings, Nusrat extended his support to the US administration in its efforts to curb terrorism and bring peace, harmony, and stability in South Asia. The Voice of Karachi has been working to raise global awareness about injustices and human rights violations that Urdu-speaking Mohajirs and other ethnic and religious minorities have been facing in Pakistan. This group has also been running the Free Karachi campaign in the US since January 15 this year. More than 22,000 Mohajirs have been brutally killed in military actions in Karachi since 1992. Enforced disappearances are a routine urban Sindh where hundreds of MQM workers and supporters are missing in the latest phase of security operation launched in 2013.

Mohajir activists apprise US lawmakers of human rights violations in Pakistan

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