British High Commissioner takes notice of Altaf Hussain’s statements
Adam Thompson says London police are looking into several complaints received against Altaf Hussain's statements.
MQM chief Altaf Hussain. PHOTO: APP
British High Commissioner Adam Thomson took notice of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain's statements of “separating Karachi” on Wednesday, reported Express News.
Thousands of complaints were sent to the London metropolitan police after Altaf addressed his supporters in Karachi where he allegedly threatened PTI supporters who were protesting against rigging.
Altaf also said that Karachi should be separated from Pakistan if the mandate given to the MQM by the people is not acceptable.
The statements created an uproar across the country, after which the party clarified saying Altaf's statements were rhetorical, and misinterpreted by the media.
Thomson said that the London police are looking into the complaints and may take action soon.
“Under British laws promoting hatred and violence is liable to punishment and Altaf Hussain’s statements must be taken seriously.” he said.
The high commissioner added that, "unlike some countries in the world, the British police are fiercely independent of British government. And it is for the British police to investigate allegations of incitement to violence or incitement to hatred."
Altaf has apparently retracted or denied his statement, Thomson further said.
On Tuesday, reports emerged of Altaf being unwell. Doctors advised him to pause all political activity for a few days and take bed rest.
Thousands of complaints were sent to the London metropolitan police after Altaf addressed his supporters in Karachi where he allegedly threatened PTI supporters who were protesting against rigging.
Altaf also said that Karachi should be separated from Pakistan if the mandate given to the MQM by the people is not acceptable.
The statements created an uproar across the country, after which the party clarified saying Altaf's statements were rhetorical, and misinterpreted by the media.
Thomson said that the London police are looking into the complaints and may take action soon.
“Under British laws promoting hatred and violence is liable to punishment and Altaf Hussain’s statements must be taken seriously.” he said.
The high commissioner added that, "unlike some countries in the world, the British police are fiercely independent of British government. And it is for the British police to investigate allegations of incitement to violence or incitement to hatred."
Altaf has apparently retracted or denied his statement, Thomson further said.
On Tuesday, reports emerged of Altaf being unwell. Doctors advised him to pause all political activity for a few days and take bed rest.