Reciprocate Pakistan role in freeing Indians: MQM chief

The efforts of Pakistani rights activist Ansar Burney, who raised ransom money to have the Indians freed along with four Pakistani sailors and 12 others should be appreciated, Altaf Hussain was Tuesday quoted as saying.

Hussain heads the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), which claims to speak for the Urdu speaking settlers who migrated from India after independence in 1947. Hussain lives in self-exile in London.

"Pakistani organisations worked tirelessly to secure the release of the captive Indian sailors as well, proving that Pakistan does not favour hostility but humanity," he said.

"India must recognise this spirit and reciprocate with amity, not enmity," Urdu daily Jang quoted him as saying. He said his comments were addressed to Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Congress president Sonia Gandhi and the entire Indian leadership.

The mistrust and problems between India and Pakistan must be overcome for "a new relationship of friendship", he said. Hussain made the comments while talking on the phone to Sind Governor Ishratul Ibad and Burney in Karachi.

He congratulated them on the release of the 22 sailors who were kidnapped in August 2010. They also included 11 Egyptians and a Sri Lankan. Burney, who negotiated with the pirates and raised money through donations, announced that all hostages had been freed.
He said they would reach their homes in a few days as arrangements were being made for their repatriation.