Mqm registration: LHC summons AGP on petition against Altaf

If strict action was taken after the May 2015 speech of Altaf, the situation would not have worsened: Judge

LAHORE: A full bench of the Lahore High Court has summoned the Attorney General of Pakistan on petitions seeking action against MQM’s founder Altaf Hussain.

Headed by Justice Syed Mazhar Ali Akbar Naqvi, the bench expressed dismay over the indecisiveness of the government. Justice Naqvi said the Constitution required the federal government to refer the matter to the SC within 15 days after issuance of a declaration against a party when it is found working against the sovereignty of the country.

The judge added if strict action was taken after the May 2015 speech of Altaf, the situation would not have worsened. The standing counsel said the election commission was the appropriate forum to decide on the cancellation of a political party’s registration and the government had been pondering over the option.

The standing counsel asked the judge for more time, but the bench turned down the request and summoned the attorney general of Pakistan on the next hearing scheduled for October 17.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 6^th, 2016.