In Defence of Marxism

Alekos Kalivis, the vice-president of the GSEE (General Confederetion of Greek Workers, the Greek TUC) has added his name to the protest raised yesterday about the violent threats by MQM thugs against PPP activists during the election campaign in Karachi. Previous to this the issue of repression under the Emergency was voted on in several student unions.

The following statement against the emergency rule in Pakistan was adopted by the assembly of the Student Front of Sinaspismos Youth and the following student Unions:

No to Repression in Pakistan! Resolution against Emergency Rule

1) Faculty of Economic Studies of Athens (ASOEE)
2) Faculty of Mass Media (journalism) of Athens (EMME)
3) Faculty of Biology of Athens
4) Faculty of Physics of Athens
5) Faculty of Law studies of Komotini
6) Faculty of Economic studies of Komotini
7) Tecnological University of Halkida

Noting that, Pakistan has entered into a new period of crisis with the imposition of "Rule by decree" by the Musharraf dictatorship,

And that, thousands have been arrested after the removal of basic democratic freedoms,

And that, US and allied governments continue their hypocritical support of the Musharraf dictatorship, including up to $10-billion in military "aid,"

And that, the Pakistan Trade Union Defence Campaign (PTUDC), launched by the Punjab Labour Federation, the United Labour Federation, the Progressive Workers' Alliance, the National Railway Workers Union and the National Union of Postal Employees, among others, is a broad-based campaign organizing against the restriction of democratic freedoms and for the following demands:

1) Defence of our trade unions from the physical attacks of the employers. Defend our right to organise!
2) Stop the privatisation and plunder of state industries.
3) For a minimum wage for all.
4) The abolition of child labour.
5) The abolition of anti trade union laws.
6) The abolition of draconian fundamentalist laws against women. Equal rights for women.

This body calls for:
1) The immediate lifting of "Rule by decree" in Pakistan
2) An end to political and military support for the Musharraf dictatorship, no tax-payers money to arm dictators
3) The immediate release of all political prisoners, the PTUDC members arrested, the lawyers and judges that have been arrested because of their refusal to legalize the dictator and all the left-wing and democratic activists.

Solidarity to the people of Pakistan and against the dictatorship!

• Pakistan: serious threats to Marxists during election campaign by our correspondent in Pakistan (December 19, 2007)