NA approves resolution against Altaf Hussain

MQM's Pakistan-based leadership condemns Hussain's anti-state remarks

ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly unanimously approved on Friday a resolution moved by the government against Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain’s August 22 anti-Pakistan diatribe.

“This House severely condemns the anti-Pakistan slogans and inflammatory speeches delivered by MQM chief Altaf Hussain on August 22 outside the Karachi Press Club and subsequent assault on media houses, including the ARY News office,” read the resolution tabled by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) lawmaker Barjees Tahir.

The MQM lawmakers did not disapprove the resolution which was finally adopted by the Lower House of the Parliament. “This House also condemns all kinds of crime, violence, terrorism, anti-Pakistan sloganeering or activities perpetrated by any party,” the resolution said.



Earlier, the MQM lawmakers also submitted a similar resolution to the National Assembly's Secretariat.

#MQM resolution in NA. Condemns but not disassociation from Altaf Hussain.Asks the State to appreciate #MQMPakistan pic.twitter.com/e9XOxsB3cZ

— Gharidah Farooqi (T.I.) (@GFarooqi) September 2, 2016

The development came a day after MQM’s coordination committee member Wasay Jalil on Thursday rejected any move which would result in a complete disconnect with Hussain. “We will not accept minus one formula on Altaf Hussain. Altaf Hussain is MQM and MQM is Altaf Hussain,” Jalil had tweeted. The MQM leader had also categorically refused to accept any resolution against Altaf. “We will not accept any resolution in NA,” he had stated.



“There will now be a complete disconnect with Altaf Hussain. We have no link to Altaf Hussain. It should be clear to all now,” Sattar had announced last week. Sattar’s statement came after Altaf’s August 22 anti-Pakistan speech, which was followed by a Sindh-wide crackdown against the party. Scores of party leaders and workers were detained while a number of its offices were subsequently sealed and razed in the crackdown.

Karachi mayor should be allowed to work from home: Sattar

Later talking to media outside the Lower House of Parliament on Friday, senior party leader Sattar demanded action on legal complaints of the party, including extra-judicial killings and arrests of its workers.

Senior MQM leader Dr Farooq Sattar addressing media outside the National Assembly building on Friday. SCREEN GRAB

“MQM has a long struggle for Pakistan’s political and democratic stability. We have paid numerous sacrifices since Pakistan’s birth and [Urdu-speaking community] played a vital role in the country’s progress,” Sattar told journalists.

While the MQM leader termed the August 22 speech by the party supremo ‘suicidal’, he demanded an end to the ‘discrimination’ against the people of Karachi on the basis of one person’s remarks. “People of Karachi have been facing numerous issues which include acute water shortage and lack of public transport facility and these should be addressed.”

In response to a question, Sattar demanded that MQM’s Karachi mayor Waseem Akhtar should be allowed to work from his house and his residence should be declared as a sub-jail.