MQM chief takes back resignation on party's request

Altaf had resigned saying he is disappointed in party workers for not defending him in face of criticism

Hours after announcing his resignation, Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain took it back on Monday on the request of the party workers, Express News reported.

Earlier, the MQM chief said that he is no longer going to be the party leader and party workers should select a new leader soon.

"I will not be addressing the workers from now on, " Altaf announced his decision in an emergency telephonic address to the party workers at Nine-zero.

"Workers should call off the movement and stop all political activities. MQM should divert all resources towards Khidmat-e-Khalq Foundation (KKF) and serve mankind," says Altaf Hussain in the address.

He added that workers have my vision if they continue to run the party.

MQM chief said he is disappointed to listen to criticism and abuses hurled at him over the past 40 years on behalf of this movement for the Urdu speaking community.

"I have been in exile since the past 24 years," said the party leader.

“Workers can choose another leader by reaching a consensus”, specifically pointing out towards senior member Farooq Sattar.

Party workers responded with chants in favour of their leader but Altaf Hussain refused to listen as he said his decision is final.

In the address the chief severely criticised Imran Khan's statement against MQM in a show aired on Samaa TV.

Altaf Hussain said, "I cannot do everything alone in this movement," wishing the party workers luck in running the party affairs in the future.

Faisal Sabzwari suspended from party membership

Noting MQM leader Faisal Sabzwari’s absence during his address early today, Altaf suspended the leader and has been asked to resign from his Sindh Assembly seat, party sources told The Express Tribune.

Following the announcement, the MQM leader submitted an apology to the Rabita Committee. Sabzwari said that he was unable to attend the address because he was unwell.

The Rabita Committee is yet to announce whether his apology has been accepted or not.