Samuel Johnson, a British author, once said that, ‘It matters not how a man dies, but how he lives. The act of dying is not of importance; it lasts so short a time.’ 

Leaders are supposed to inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and to become more. But, individuals like Altaf Hussain inspire their followers to kill more, destruct more, and violate laws. I still remember my school days when MQM emerged as a party that derived its support from the middle class and the educated urban population. Their leaders lived among the common people and understood their grievances. Muft Bazaars and Cleanliness Weeks used to be held in order to make the lives of Karachiites better. But, unfortunately, that MQM has vanished. 

I still support the ideology of MQM because I want to see the middle class rule the country, but Altaf Hussain has digressed away from this notion. His comments and statements, that have earned him the label of a traitor, cannot defeat the spirit of patriotism that exists in Pakistan. Our forefathers have made countless sacrifices for this country, and no politician can subdue the nationalism of the population. Long live Pakistan! 

SAMREEN AAMIR BARI,  

Karachi, August 23.