| Muttahida Quami Movement, USA celebrated APMSO's 25th
anniversary and MQM USA's annual convention Los Angeles, CA, between August
1 & 3, 2003. Over 150 committee members, unit in charges and guests from
other states participated in this 3 day long event along with 500 residents
and MQM supporters from Southern California. Deputy Convener and Ex Chairman
of APMSO inaugurated the event at Village restaurant on August 1, 2003
whereas local organizer and member central committee MQM, Mr. Adnan Naqvi
welcomed the guests and outlined further activities scheduled for August 2
and 3.
Member of central organizing committee, member of different wings of MQM and
unit in charges from 15 units, including Chicago, New York, New Jersey,
Washington D.C., Houston, San Francisco, Philadelphia, Detroit, Miami,
Tampa, Maryland and Saint Louis presented their annual progress report
during session I on August 2nd, 2003. These presentations were followed by
seminars form Mr. Adeel Shah on "Dual Role of Pak-Diaspora"; Mr. Mohammad
Younus on "How Does the U.S Congress Operates" and Mr. Jamal Rashid from New
York life on "Financial Planning".
Afternoon session was conducted by local speaker Mrs. Saba Engineer. It
started with the recitation of Holy Quran. MQM's Founder and leader, Mr.
Altaf Hussain addressed the crowd over the phone live from International
Secretariat, London. Mr. Altaf Hussain lectured the audience about
importance of keeping balance in life, human psychology and presented
scientific reasons to understand movement's needs and its objectives. During
his speech, Mr. Altaf Hussain also welcomed Mayor of the city Mr. Steve
Berry and apprised him and audience about MQM's policy on religious and
ethnic harmony and fairness. He said that MQM is against all kind of
terrorism and believes in a peaceful and democratic society. He commended
MQM, USA central organizing committee's efforts to organize and celebrate
25th anniversary of APMSO.
Mayor Mr. Steve Berry thanked Mr. Altaf Hussain and said he is very
impressed with the ideology and the message of MQM's leadership. He praised
the efforts this organization has put in to bring changes in the system and
has capability to challenge the injustices done against them or any other
group in the country. Mrs. Nasreen Khan and Mr. Adnan Naqvi also read the
messages from Congresswomen Loretta Sanchez and Linda Sanchez. In their
messages, they both congratulated MQM, USA in hosting 25th anniversary
convention in Buena Park and recognized MQM's efforts in fight against
global and local terrorism and their belief in realism and practicalism.
Deputy Convener MQM, Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui while addressing urged the
crowd to join MQM to fight against Feudal System. He said that movement
which was started by Quaid e Tehrik 25 years ago will become the reason for
abolition of Feudal System in Pakistan. Central Organizer, Ibad U. Rehman
congratulated MQM Los Angeles Unit and convention committee for hosting this
historic event and said he is proud to be a part of such a talented and
loyal team.
Convener MQM, Dr. Farooq Sattar updated the audience on current political
situation in Pakistan. He criticized on certain elements that are persistent
to sabotage Governments efforts to crush terrorism. He said that the
solution to the prevailing problems in the country is not due to LFO or 1973
constitution but in fact can all be resolved by admitting and implementing
three fundamental changes. One decentralization; where Provinces and Local
bodies can be given more powers and complete authority to make decisions in
their own jurisdiction; Second is the Land Reforms; where local farmers are
given lands and opportunities to grow business and third is the Resolution
on Kashmir issue where 50% of our financial resources are being wasted for
last 55 years.
Certificates of Achievement and trophies
were given to the workers and guests. Dr. Farooq Sattar presented
the trophy to Mayor Buena Park, Mr. Steve Berry. Veteran MQM worker and
supporter, Qazi Sahib made prayers and recited Sura Fateh for all MQM
workers you have been martyred for the cause. A tableau on "Urdu Zaban" was
also presented by daughter of Arif Siddiqui, Ms. Aneeba Siddiqui.
Program was concluded after light musical entertainment and performances by
comedian Sakhi Kamal, singer, Zulfi Engineer, Razi Ahmed and Saleem Alam.
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