Tribune’s Gamechangers 2011: Altaf Hussain

Redefining the political speech.

In what seemed like an attempt to set the record for the longest run broadcast speech in Pakistan, MQM Chief Altaf Hussain laid down the gauntlet, throwing in everything including the kitchen sink in the midst of a tussle between the MQM and the PPP’s Zulfiqar Mirza.

This hours long speech included songs, political taunts, revelations and rambles that left many a Pakistani baffled.

Political genius or PR disaster?

Either way, the MQM chief’s speech was a defining moment of 2011.

Quote of the year: “Parde mein rehene do, pardaa na uthaao… Pardaa jo uth gayaa to bhed khul jaayegaa”