In a first, MQM-Pakistan wants Altaf tried for high treason

Joint resolution adopted in Sindh Assembly demands action against MQM founder under Article 6 of the Constitution

KARACHI: In a surprising move, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM)-Pakistan on Wednesday demanded the initiation of treason proceedings against party supremo Altaf Hussain in the Sindh Assembly.

The party's lawmakers reportedly termed Altaf a traitor.

Two resolutions condemning Hussain's anti-Pakistan remarks were passed in the House. According to the text of one of the resolutions, the house "rejects the hateful speech by the MQM's founder against the state, resulting in an attack on media houses, and demands proceedings against Altaf under Article 6 of the Constitution.



The first resolution was moved by MQM parliamentary leader Syed Sardar Ahmed against Altaf. Later, PTI's Khurram Sher Zaman, PML-F's Nusrat Sehar Abbasi, PPP's Khairunisa Mahgul and PML-N's Sorath Thebo presented another resolution.

Speaking on the floor of the house, MQM leader Rauf Siddiqui said he was extremely saddened to hear anti-Pakistan chants from a person he loved the most."

“We will not allow any harm to be done to Pakistan or Islam,” Siddiqui said. He said resorting to such an act was unpardonable.

MQM’s Faisal Sabzwari said the party was bound to serve the country and its people. “It was an extremely hard decision to part ways with that man [Altaf Hussain] but the party did it,” he said adding “there is a need to heal our wounds and consider us patriots just like anyone else.”

Addressing the lawmakers, Khawaja Izharul Hasan said that the MQM was ready to be at the forefront against all anti-state foreign agencies including Indian spy agency RAW

The once powerful MQM chief had delivered a provocative anti-state speech on August 22. The address was criticised nationwide. Altaf had also incited party workers to attack media houses over the course of his speech.



The resolution came a day after the party distanced itself from all members opposing the exclusion of Altaf from the party.  The individuals were also removed from the Rabita Committee. Nadeem Nusrat, Mustafa Azizabadi, Wasay Jalil and Qasim Ali Raza were among those expelled.

Nadeem Nusrat dissolves Rabita Committee, urges lawmakers to resign

Hours after MQM-Pakistan leaders passed a resolution against Altaf, and condemned him as a traitor, the London-based leadership termed the act shameful, saying it had dissolved the Rabita Committee.

“The party’s organisational structure and all institutions have been dissolved. Rabita Committee and other institutes will be established anew,” Nusrat said, urging all lawmakers to resign from Parliament, according to a statement.

رابطہ کمیٹی اور تمام شعبہ جات نئے سرے سے تشکیل دیے جائیں گے۔ندیم نصرت
https://t.co/iznIhmzRFv #MQM #Pakistan pic.twitter.com/SecgZfeIOt

— MQM (@OfficialMqm) September 21, 2016