I may be jailed over fake cases, Altaf tells party workers

MQM chief tells party workers they must keep the movement alive in case he is 'killed' by 'mafias'

LONDON: Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain advised leaders of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) to bring their own house in order instead of hurling threats at him.

“Instead of threatening me, rulers should look into their own affairs,” MQM’s website quoted Altaf as saying during his telephonic address to party workers in Hyderabad.

Read: Criticism of Rangers: Altaf speaks in the tongue of our enemy, says Nisar

Altaf’s statement came following Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar and Defence Minister Khawaja Asif’s criticism of the MQM chief over his alleged anti-Pakistan statements.

“False and baseless allegations are being levelled against me,” the MQM chief lamented.

Claiming his speeches may be banned, the MQM chief added, “I may be sent to jail as fake cases are being levelled against me.”

Further, clarifying his earlier statements, Altaf said he never spoke against the country but only against oppression. “I am not afraid of death. I owe my life to Allah and party’s movement,” he added.

Read: Hard and abrasive: Altaf criticises Rangers’ role in Karachi

“I may get killed through mafias but you must keep the movement alive in case I am targeted,” the MQM chief said, urging his workers to be patient and to never take the law in their own hands.

In response to the interior minister’s statement against the party chief, MQM questioned why Nisar was not infuriated when former president Asif Ali Zardari used derogatory language against the armed forces.

Announcing the party’s decision to stage a protest outside the Karachi Press Club today (Tuesday), party leader Dr Farooq Sattar said in a press conference that conspiracies to separate Mohajirs and Altaf would never succeed.

Read: MQM lashes out at Nisar

The federal interior minister had come out all guns blazing against MQM chief, comparing the latest outburst of the London-based leader to the anti-Pakistan statements of hostile countries. Comparing Altaf’s recent disapproval of the security agencies with other countries particularly India, the interior minister said the MQM leader’s anger and desperation had reached its climax as the British authorities were tightening the noose around him.

Meanwhile, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif had also criticised Altaf for issuing ‘irresponsible statements’ from London, saying his tirade against state institutions “was not permissible in any way”. Talking to a news channel, the minister had said he respected the MQM’s vote bank but it did not mean the party chief could criticise anyone and then seek forgiveness the next day.

Two MQM workers remanded

An anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Tuesday, remanded two MQM party workers in police custody for 14 days.

Abid Ali and Jamil had been arrested from Baldia sector and are allegedly involved in various terrorist activities.

PTI submits resolution against Altaf in PA

Leader of Opposition in the Punjab Assembly Mian Mehmood ur Rasheed and Deputy Opposition Leader Sibtain Khan have today submitted a resolution against Altaf, demanding that he be arrested and brought back home via Interpol for legal trial for his remarks against the armed forces.

The resolution commends the efforts of the Pakistan armed forces and Rangers for eliminating terrorism and ensuring peace in the country. However, it condemns the criticism of these institutions by the MQM’s chief. The resolution also condemns the hateful and provocative remarks made by Altaf against both the armed forces and the Rangers.

This the second time the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has taken to submitting a resolution in the assembly secretariat against MQM’s chief regarding disparaging remarks against the armed forces. Earlier in May, a similar resolution was submitted in the Punjab Assembly by the opposition leader.