Imran Farooq’s murder: Britain steers clear of Scotland Yard probe

UK envoy says issue was not discussed during Nawaz-Cameron meeting.

ISLAMABAD:

The British government has distanced itself from the ongoing investigations against the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief in connection with the murder of senior party leader Dr Imran Farooq.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, British High Commissioner to Pakistan Adam Thomson said the issue of Altaf Hussain was not discussed during the recent meeting between Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his British counterpart David Cameron.

However, he confirmed that the UK High Commission had received a memorandum from the MQM about the likely implication of their chief being included in the murder probe.

In this connection, the London Metropolitan Police recently raided the MQM chief’s house, following which Altaf reacted and termed it an ‘international conspiracy’ against him.



The British envoy insisted that the Metropolitan Police is an independent institution, saying he cannot comment on investigations. Talking about the recently concluded visit of British Prime Minister David Cameron to Pakistan, Thomson said his trip would prove a ‘milestone’ in the fight against terrorism.

He maintained that Pakistan and Britain agreed to work together against extremism and radicalisation. According to Thomson, the British prime minister asked Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Afghan President Hamid Karzai to increase contact with each other.

“My prime minister said that Afghanistan needs a strong and prosperous Pakistan.”

“The message of the visit was an expression of confidence in this country’s future in the wake of successful democratic elections,” Thomson said.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 3^rd, 2013.