Altaf’s speeches to be reviewed for treason proceedings

Law and Justice department asks interior ministry to provide it with the content

LAHORE: The Law and Justice Division asked the interior ministry to share objectionable speeches of MQM founder Altaf Hussain so it can form any opinion over launching treason proceedings against him.

This was said by Secretary for Interior Arif Khan before a full bench of the Lahore High Court which was hearing identical petitions seeking treason proceedings against Altaf.



Appearing before the court, Arif Khan submitted a report, stating the interior minister had solicited, on November 29, legal advice from the Law and Justice Division to initiate treason proceedings under Article 6 of the constitution. He added the division asked the minister to share the speeches of Altaf so it could form an opinion on the matter.

However, the court was not satisfied with the reply and directed the secretary to file a conclusive report before the court, along with a dossier the ministry sent to the British government against the MQM chief. They are scheduled for submission on the next date of hearing after 15 days.

In his report, the secretary said the case against Altaf had been discussed with the British government recently and the matter was also raised by the minister of interior on his current visit to the UK.

He added that the government of Sindh also registered two FIRs against Altaf under several sections of the PPC and ATA.

In the report, the secretary said a reference has been made to the Election Commission of Pakistan on November 11 to cancel MQM’s registration. However, the commission said the party was not registered under Altaf’s name and he was stated as the founder.

The interior ministry, on its own, did nothing over the objectionable speeches of Altaf Hussain. It only sent a reference to the ECP on November 29 after the court’s directions.



The LHC asked the secretary about his position and he replied that his status is advisory and that the minister is the one who takes decisions. He said he prepares policy.

To this, Justice Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi, heading the bench, said he was not satisfied with the answer. In response, Advocate Ahmed Awais, counsel for the petitioner, said he can rebut the secretary, but the court should first record his statement on oath.

Justice Naqvi asked Awais not to malign the secretary as any development in this case was due to Arif Khan.

In a light mood, the judge asked the secretary to at least bring a letter by some prince, adding that he must ensure it is not from Qatar this time.

The LHC on August 31, 2015, banned media coverage of Altaf Hussain in the print and electronic media.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 8^th, 2016.