'Zulfiqar Mirza has no intention to record statement against MQM'

Speculation is rife that former Sindh home minister will help the Scotland Yard investigation.

KARACHI: Former Sindh Home Minister and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Zulfiqar Mirza’s visit to London has led to speculation that he would help the Scotland Yard investigation against Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain for money laundering and instigating violence in Karachi.

When contacted, one of Mirza's close aides said that the PPP leader was on a personal visit to London.

“Mirza has gone with his family. He has no intentions to record a statement against the MQM chief,” PPP MNA Kamal Chang from Badin said.

Local media reported that President Asif Ali Zardari, who is also in London, telephoned Mirza and requested him to not meet with the British investigators. The latter, however, allegedly refused to abide by the president’s advice.

Mirza is said to be the arch rival of MQM chief Altaf Hussain.

He had resigned from the ministry and a senior position in the PPP about two years ago after criticizing Altaf Hussain and the MQM for being involved in creating havoc in Karachi. Mirza later went to London and had announced he would lodge a complaint with Scotland Yard with evidence against the MQM, but the PPP -- that was a coalition partner in the government -- had asked him to refrain from doing so.