FIA inquiry committee to probe allegations against MQM: Nisar

Interior minister says he may not have good relations with the Karachi-based party but wants it to get justice

Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar announced on Thursday a committee comprising members of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has been formed to investigate allegations against the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM).

“Sarfaraz Merchant had alleged the MQM is involved in money-laundering, criminal activities, and has connections with the Indian spy agency Research and Analysis Wing (RAW)," Nisar said while addressing a press conference in Islamabad. "We have formed a FIA committee to investigate the matter and reach a logical end."

Nisar said Merchant, who is co-accused in the money laundering case in London, had already been summoned to elaborate on the matter and if he fails to show up, British authorities will be asked to assist the FIA.

We have also given advertisements in major national dailies asking people to provide evidence against the MQM, added Nisar.



The Ministry of Interior had directed on March 8 the FIA to probe the allegations levelled against the top leadership of the MQM.

“Can a political party be called traitor or having links with RAW in press conferences? There has to be a legal process for that if we have to get to a rational and logical end to it,” the interior minister said.

Nisar said he may not have good relations with the Karachi-based party but wants  the MQM to get justice.



“I promise we will make the committee findings public. The government intends to take the cases it to its logical conclusion."

Upon returning home from self-imposed exile last Thursday, former Karachi mayor Mustafa Kamal launched a blistering attack on MQM chief Altaf Hussain and challenged the ‘iron grip’ of the MQM on the city by forming a new party.

Kamal — who won wide support as mayor of Karachi from 2005 to 2010 for his efforts to ease traffic and improve public services — accused Altaf of working for India’s premier spy agency, destroying two generations of Mohajirs (Urdu-speaking people) and issuing threats under the influence of alcohol.