Altaf’s speech being used to divert attention from PML-N’s transgressions, says PTI

PTI leader claims hate speech, attack on ARY News office orchestrated by MQM, govt

KARACHI: The mayhem that began after Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain's speech is a game being played by the Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz (PML-N) government to divert attention from the Panama Papers and Indian atrocities in occupied Kashmir, claimed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Faisal Vawda.

He was addressing a press conference at his residence on Thursday along with the party's deputy secretary-general, Imran Ismail. Vawda accused the PML-N of using the MQM to save them from being held accountable for their actions.



Criticising the MQM chief, he said Altaf's time is over now and has been a big problem for the Urdu-speaking community living in the country. He said the PTI has no objection to the MQM being led by Farooq Sattar, adding that both the parties can then progress together.

Vawda claimed that the whole drama was created by the government, MQM and two leaders of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), adding that he has informed the PPP leadership about the actions of its leaders and if action is not taken against them he will publicly name the duo.



He said the incident is being used to divert attention from the Panama Papers, Model Town inquiry and Orange Line scandal in Lahore. He demanded action from the army and said that Operation Zarb-e-Azb should not be criminal specific and should instead expand to nab corrupt politicians and bureaucrats as well. The PTI leader also raised concerns over apex committee meetings and advised the military leadership not to have meetings with civilian leaders who are already involved in backing criminals and corruption.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 26^th, 2016.