Addressing simultaneously various public meetings organised in various cities of the country in connection with MQM's foundation day via phone from London, Altaf said extremism had cost the country dearly. Criticising US drone attacks inside Pakistan, he said if MQM came to power no country would dare carry out drone strikes inside Pakistan.
He said that during the Cold War Pakistan fully supported the US, hence Washington should now extend full support to Islamabad. Altaf said that Pakistan wanted friendship with India, but India should also accept Pakistan as a reality with an open heart. "An MQM government will resolve Kashmir issue as per the wishes of Kashmiris," he added.