MQM resolution calls for trying Altaf for treason

Sindh Assembly unanimously passes resolution against MQM founder

KARACHI: Lawmakers in the Sindh Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution calling upon the government to try Muttahida Qaumi Movement founder Altaf Hussain for treason for his seditious speech last month. “This house condemns the words used by Altaf Hussain and his action to incite people to attack ARY TV. We demand a case be registered against him under Article 6 [of the 1973 Constitution,” reads the resolution moved by MQM parliamentary leader Syed Sardar Ahmed.



In the August 22 telephone speech, the MQM founder shouted slogans against Pakistan and incited his workers to violence outside Karachi Press Club. Subsequently, the MQM disowned Altaf and London-based leadership of the party.

Similar-worded resolutions were moved in the house by PTI lawmaker Khurrum Sher Zaman, PPP’s Khairunisa Mughal and PML-F legislator Mehtab Akhar Rashdi.

Speaking on the floor of the assembly, MQM MPA Faisal Subzwari said, “It was a difficult decision, but we have disowned Altaf Hussain and other leaders based in the London secretariat. We are true Pakistanis and our forefathers have rendered sacrifices for this country, so we cannot tolerate this kind of language.”

Subzwari, who attended the session after a gap of almost one year, said that the August 22 hunger strike camp was set up for the rights of the missing persons. “But unfortunately, it turned into [an occasion to air] anti-Pakistan sentiments by a particular person,” he added. “There was no pressure on us to disassociate ourselves from our former leader. We want to live and die in Pakistan which is why we are condemning the approach which is against our country,” he said.

PML-F’s Mehtab Akhar Rashdi said: “I cannot believe that the MQM has moved a resolution against its own leader, who was once their role model,” she said. She objected to the use of word Mohajir for Urdu speaking people. “Those who are born in Pakistan are Pakistanis.”  She, however, appreciated the sacrifices of the Urdu-speaking community. “They should now own Sindh and work for the betterment of this country,” she added.



PTI’s Sher Zaman said his party had been shouting against Altaf Hussan for his association with Indian spy agency RAW and inciting terrorism in Karachi, but no one heeded their concern.  “We welcome the decision of the MQM lawmakers of endorsing our long-standing viewpoint and bringing a resolution against their own leader. This is a good omen,” he said.

PPP’s parliamentary leader in the Sindh Assembly Nisar Ahmed Khuhro supported the resolutions and said the government would not allow any party to create a law and order situation in Sindh.  “Almost all nationalities are united against Altaf Hussain’s remarks, which were condemnable,” he added.

Opposition Leader in the Sindh Assembly Khawaja Izharul Hassan appealed to his countrymen not to doubt that the MQM has disowned Altaf Hussain and his entire London team. “No one but we can play a role in the wake of the August 22 incident,” he said.

London Office reacts

In reaction to the resolution against Altaf Hussain, the MQM leadership in London asked its Pakistani counterpart to resign from the assemblies and contest polls on their own.



“All the MQM MPs in the Sindh Assembly, National Assembly and Senate had been elected after the public voted for them in the name of Altaf Hussain, following his endorsement and appeal,” said Nadeem Nusrat, who was among the four MQM Rabita Committee members sacked by the MQM-Pakistan on Tuesday.

“It is highly embarrassing that the same people [MQM leadership in Pakistan] not only disassociated themselves from Altaf but are also moving resolutions and giving speech against him in the assemblies,” he said in a statement.

Nusrat said that after reviewing the situation ‘in detail’ and after having consultation with ‘loyal’ members of the Rabita Committee, it had been decided that the current Rabita Committee, party structure and all other wings of the party stand dissolved. “[Re-organisation] will be done,” he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 22^nd, 2016.