Altaf Hussain speech: SC orders petitioner to name ‘MQM chief’ in application

Chief justice says MQM is registered under Farooq Sattar's name in Pakistan, puts off hearing for one week.

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court has ordered Barrister Zafarullah Khan to amend his application against Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain over his controversial speech, reported Express News on Wednesday.

Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry said that the petitioner needs to name the MQM chief as a respondent in his application instead of writing “MQM chief”.

Zafarullah said that it was clear that Altaf Hussain was running the party, but the chief justice stated that MQM is registered under Farooq Sattar’s name in Pakistan.

The chief justice directed the applicant to approach the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and find documents regarding the chairmanship of MQM.

During the hearing, Justice Ijaz Afzal also remarked that politicians keep giving such statements, but the court cannot take notice of all of them.

Zafarullah asked the court to declare Altaf Hussain and his party workers “enemies of Pakistan” and ban them from giving speeches. He said a treason case should also be initiated against the party.

The court ordered the applicant to amend his application and adjourned the hearing for one week.

Earlier this month, Altaf Hussain addressed his supporters in Karachi where he allegedly threatened Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf supporters who were protesting against rigging.

He also reportedly said that Karachi should be separated from Pakistan if the mandate given to the MQM by the people is not acceptable.

The statements created uproar across the country, after which the party clarified saying the statements were rhetorical, and misinterpreted by the media.