MQM USA Houston Chapter observed Martyrs’ Day with respect and reverence, renewing the pledge of loyalty to the martyrs.
By: Raja Zahid Akhtar Khanzada
Houston: A member of the MQM Coordination Committee stated that it is ironic how in a so-called Islamic Republic of Pakistan, even offering prayers and reciting the Quran at the graves of loved ones is prohibited for Mohajirs. Workers visiting the Martyrs’ Memorial and the Martyrs’ Cemetery are being forcibly arrested. He made these remarks while addressing a solemn Martyrs’ Day event organized by the MQM USA Houston Chapter. He emphasized that on this day, they renew their pledge never to forget the sacred blood of Mohajir martyrs. He paid tribute to the MQM workers and supporters who, despite state oppression, managed to reach the Martyrs’ Memorial in Karachi, Hyderabad, and across Sindh.
Atif Shamim condemned the arrests of workers visiting the Martyrs’ Memorial and cemetery, calling for their immediate release. The event, held at a local Houston restaurant, saw a large turnout of MQM workers, supporters, and the public. The hall was adorned with portraits of martyrs, banners depicting the ideological struggle of MQM, and images of the movement’s leader, Altaf Hussain. A significant number of MQM members and the public attended the solemn event to pay tribute to the martyrs.
During the program, tributes were paid to the martyrs, and a renewed pledge of loyalty to the cause was made, ensuring that the sacred sacrifices of the martyrs would never be forgotten. The event was hosted by Syed Faisal Saeed, who also performed the duties of master of ceremonies. The event began with the recitation of the Holy Quran by Hafiz Faizan Siddiqui.
The hall’s walls were decorated with pictures of MQM’s martyrs and banners symbolizing the sacrifices of the movement’s workers. Chapter Committee member Muhammad Burhan explained the objectives of the event and highlighted key aspects of MQM’s struggle.
Joint In-Charge Engineer Syed Asim Rizvi, while addressing the gathering, stated that from the very first day of MQM’s struggle, countless acts of oppression were committed to silence the voice of the movement. Despite this, thousands of workers sacrificed their lives, keeping the movement alive to this day.
Women’s representative Azmat Jabeen Baji shed light on the role of women in the movement, stating that the daughters of the Mohajir nation have always stood shoulder to shoulder with their brothers, actively participating in the movement. Many women even left their homes to attend the funerals of martyrs, fulfilling their obligations to the cause.
Prominent Houston-based social leader and Urdu activist Ghulam Mohiuddin Chishti also shared his thoughts, remembering the sacrifices of MQM’s martyrs and Urdu language activists based on his personal experiences.
Chapter In-Charge Fawad Ahmed expressed gratitude to the attendees and emphasized that the blood of martyrs would never go in vain. MQM’s workers would always remember the sacrifices of their martyred comrades.
Coordination Committee member Engineer Syed Atif Shamim delivered an emotional speech, recounting his personal experiences and describing the severe oppression faced by the Mohajir nation. He mentioned the extrajudicial killings and arrests of thousands of Mohajir youths, including the brother and nephew of MQM leader Altaf Hussain.
He stated that MQM workers worldwide would remain steadfast in following the ideology of their leader and would always remember the sacrifices of the martyrs.
At the conclusion of the event, Engineer Syed Atif Shamim introduced participants to the welfare projects of Wafa Foundation and appealed for donations through Zakat, charity, and Fitr to support the families of martyrs and affected individuals.
The program ended with a collective prayer for the elevation of the martyrs’ ranks, peace, and prosperity in Pakistan, and the well-being of the oppressed. On this occasion, Coordination Committee member Syed Atif Shamim presented Altaf Hussain’s book “The Palestine and Israel Conflict” to Mr. MJ Khan (former president ISGH & PAGH) and appealed for generous support from the attendees.
