Voice of opposition: Qureshi criticises govt for failing to act against Altaf

Govt should form a team to investigate SSP Rao Anwar’s claims, says Qureshi.

DERA GHAZI KHAN: Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi said on Sunday the government should not have maintained silence on Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM)leader Altaf Hussain’s statements last week.

He was talking to newsmen at his residence in Multan. The PTI vice chairman said Balochistan’s home minister, who was affiliated with the ruling party at the centre, had moved a resolution against Hussain’s statements. “Altaf hurt the sentiments of Pakistanis across the country. An insult to the armed forces should not be tolerated at any cost,” he said.

He said the government had failed to devise a policy to curb hate speech. “Malir SSP Rao Anwar’s revelations were of no ordinary nature. These should not have been taken lightly. He has been attacked for revealing the truth.”

The PTI vice chairman said the government should form a team to investigate the SSP’s claims.

He said party chairman Imran Khan would address a rally in Multan on May 15 over the election in PP-196. He said arrangements for the rally had been finalised. He said the PTI had awarded its ticket to Rana Abdul Jabbar.

“Wins and losses are part of politics,” he said. “We are hopeful that the people will make the right decision vis a vis PP-196.”

Published in The Express Tribune, May 4^th, 2015.