Time for action: Kamal demands ‘concrete action’ against Altaf

Says govt move of arresting MQM workers, demolishing offices not helpful

KARACHI: The government must take concrete measures against Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain for chanting anti-Pakistan slogans rather than just arresting party workers and demolishing its offices, Pak Sarzameen Party (PSP) chief Mustafa Kamal said at a press conference on Saturday.

The current approach of the federal, provincial governments and of the establishment may lead to a situation where another Altaf could 'exploit' Muhajirs, Kamal commented.

He said even though the MQM chief keeps making such statements, the best the government can do is write a letter to the British government seeking action against him.

The arrests of MQM workers, including women, and demolishing of offices will create space for another leader like Altaf, claimed Kamal, adding that though he was not against any legal action but wanted things to be handled in the 'best possible way'.

The government must address the issues of Muhajirs and provide them relief, he said, urging Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to announce a special package for the community which has been 'misguided' by the MQM chief for the past three decades.

The PSP leader also criticised MQM leader Farooq Sattar, who is not looking after the party affairs, saying that he was creating confusion in the current circumstances.

Kamal said that changing the status of Altaf from 'party leader' to 'party founder' would not help. "Sattar should be clear on what his approach is. At one hand he disassociates from Altaf and on the other he says the vote will still be in the chief's name."

Kamal announced that his party will accelerate its public engagement campaign in the present scenario and also demanded that the provincial government should make a financial commission to give powers to the local government so the issues of this city could be resolved soon.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 28^th, 2016.