Daily Times

KARACHI: The leader of Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) in London, Wasay Jalil, on Thursday tweeted that the party would not accept any resolution against Altaf Hussain.

Jalil brushed aside the ‘minus-one formula’ and said “Altaf Hussain is MQM and MQM is Altaf Hussain”.

The statement comes in connection with the news reports that the MQM is planning to present a resolution in the National Assembly in which the party will seek a ban on certain political leaders, including Altaf Hussain, who have issued anti-Pakistan statements.

Moreover, the NA Standing Committee on Law and Justice had on Tuesday recommended to the government to proceed against the MQM’s chief under articles 6 and 17 of the constitution for delivering an anti-Pakistan speech.

It is pertinent to mention that Senior MQM leader Farooq Sattar had already announced that his party should operate from Pakistan alone, an apparent reference to the leadership of MQM under Altaf Hussain — who controls the party from London.

Sattar had accepted that “there is a problem” and that Hussain’s frequent apologies after incendiary statements was an issue that needs to be resolved.

The government has already warned the MQM to disassociate itself from Altaf Hussain or suffer the consequences.

Prime Minister’s spokesperson Dr Musadik Malik had said, “MQM would be allowed to continue their political activities in Pakistan; however, they will have to amend their constitution and disassociate from their chief.”

It may be mentioned here that days after prominent leaders of the MQM broke off ties with Altaf Hussain and disavowed the London-based decision-making body of the party, MNA Kanwar Naveed Jamil also announced dissociation with the party chief.

“I have nothing to do with Altaf Hussain or the London office… I have and will continue to support Pakistan and the Karachi-based party only,” MQM Rabita Committee member Jamil said a couple of days ago.

A day after MQM workers vandalised offices of private TV channels in Karachi, an anti-terrorism court (ATC) handed over three senior party leaders, including Jamil, to police on a three-day remand.

On August 22, two cases related to treason and rioting were registered in Artillery Maidan Police Station against the party over Altaf Hussain’s anti-Pakistan speech, and subsequent violence which left at least one person dead.

The rioting drew widespread condemnation from all political parties, prompting action by the paramilitary Rangers.