Daily Times

Under the directions of the Lahore High Court (LHC), Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain has submitted an affidavit to the court expressing his regret for hurting others because of his speeches. An LHC bench on August 31 had imposed a ban on the coverage of Altaf Hussain’s speeches in the media for his acts of issuing statements against the integrity of the country. The development shows that the MQM supremo and his party have realized the seriousness of the operation launched by the Rangers against criminals and terrorists. They have to now abide by the law to clean up their image before the public. In its quest for justice, the MQM leadership has every right to a defence but their counsels Asma Jehangir and Khalid Ranjha are facing the wrath of other lawyers, which is not an appropriate attitude on the part of what are the guardians of the law. Some lawyers’ call for the suspension of the licence of Asma Jahangir and Khalid Ranjha for representing the MQM is unjustified.

In his affidavit, Altaf has criticised the court for stopping media coverage of his speeches, terming it a serious curb on the freedom of expression. He also defended his controversial speeches, saying that he criticised the use of force against his party and his words were misconstrued. He further submitted, “In three interviews to different TV channels I explained my misconstrued words and if the learned law officers had presented the subsequent television interviews, the honourable court may have withheld its order.” The court is examining the case and the final verdict is awaited. Although Altaf has not tendered an unconditional apology, the wording of his statement amounts to seeking forgiveness. Whether the court will lift the ban or not may depend on Altaf’s subsequent conduct, In the meantime, Altaf has to prove himself a mature and balanced leader. The track record of the MQM chief is not appreciable. He is in the habit of uttering words in an impulsive way and then tendering apologies. It will be difficult to convince the court about the freedom of expression that Altaf has argued in his affidavit because there are limits to the freedom of expression. Altaf needs to understand that nothing is above the law and Constitution. It seems that Altaf does not know this difference that is why he indulges in hate mongering. His argument that the court has restricted his messages to reach his followers lacks wisdom. In this modern age, when there are so many mediums of communication, he can use different channels to convey his messages to his party workers, but he should at least refrain from making further hate speeches that have already put him in real trouble. *