Express News screengrab of MQM MNA Abdul Rashid Godil speaking to the media in Islamabad.
Just yesterday, the interior ministry had stated that the MQM chief had not followed the proper procedure regarding the National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) and passport application. Denying these allegations, Hussain had expressed great disappointment.
While speaking to the media in Islamabad today, the MQM MNA said that it was Hussain's right to get a Pakistani passport, adding that the party chief's supporters were frustrated regarding this matter.
"If Altaf Hussain is not issued a Pakistani passport then we will pursue this legally," Godil further said.
He also revealed that MQM boycotted the National Assembly today and the party will sit outside the assembly, staging a dharna.
After getting a token from National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) there is no reason that the MQM chief should not get his identity card, the MQM MNA further remarked.
MQM Rabita Committee
Addressing the media in a press conference on Tuesday, senior MQM leader Haider Abbas Rizvi questioned the government, the NADRA DG and the passport DG about the reason for the delay in attaining the documents.
"If they are doing this to a leader of a big political party in Pakistan, what do they do to the public?" Rizvi said.
He added that MQM workers would question NADRA and Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar as to why Hussain has not been granted the required documents.
Govt reply
The government has assured MQM that their reservations will be addressed and this issue will be resolved in the next three to four days, Express News reported.
The government has not said that a Pakistani passport will not be issued to the MQM chief, MNA Riaz Hussain Pirzada stated, further assuring MQM just before they were about to stage a dharna outside the National Assembly.
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It seems as if the walls are narrowing for Altaf. UK authorities are consolidating their findings - most likely against Altaf. Unlike Pakistan where he can flex his muscles in the biggest city and bring everything to a standstill by uttering a few words, he would have no place to go in the UK, so its like a mouse trap for him now ..... Pakistan may not be his destination due to the large number of pending court cases. Pakistani passport could be an excuse to seek asylum in an other country where he is perhaps a more vulnerable asylum seeker on a UK passport.
Interior Minister should now think to speak out the truth for on whose dictation, cheap tactic and hurdles are being created in case of Altaf Hussains NIC & Passport. Nisars' wig has gone old and outdated with the passage of time and for its replacement he can also face difficulties in getting visa for the country from where he had purchased......!!!!
Mr. Altaf should obey rules n regulations, he's not physically sick (mentally maybe). Surely he can n should go to Pakistan Embassy, fill application, provide all n any documents required by law, must also provide documental proof which proves that he has given up n UK government accepted canceling his UK passport for good. He doesn't deserve any extra or above law facility.........
I almost mistook him for Dr Zulfiqar Mirza; must have been inspired by the good doctor!
British government loves him too much; they don't want to lose this "strategic asset" to another country!
I mean I did
sure he did
LOL
@BOZO: missing her comments too
Clearly interior ministry under Ch. Nisar lied when it made the previous statement. Ch. Nisar is using national institutions like his personal fiefdom. Very corrupt.
@bash gul:
He isn't coming back to Pakistan, he's probably trying to move abroad to South Africa, Canada or Dubai on a Pakistani passport so he cannot be tried as a British national.
Those who claim Karachi as their own home, and also threaten to close the Karachi and destroy the business... How one can fire his own house or business.... The one who withdrew from his Nationality two decades back and submitted the Pak Passport to British Govt and now claim to be Pakistani ????
Clever move by Altaf. Now when other politicians taunt him to come to Pakistan and lead his party, he can turn around and say he wants to, but is being denied his right to come to Pakistan.
Where is Ayesha M? A true HAQ PARAST
making an issue out of non issue.
The fact that he has applied for asylum in the UK from Pakistan, denies him this right now.
more likely all issues are dead , it is now clearly seen that M.Q.M is already done with politics , We karachiites cast valuable votes to resolve our issues. but at least i have no hope now .
Me too need a holiday please, ,,,,,, for at least 6 months only
I am wonder when a person has not been in country for more than 20 years and has been citizen of foreign country counld claim for citizenship. We dont know he has become radical, his loyality might changed or he might had join any radical organisation and now he might be coming on any special assignment. There should be a law prob for such people.
He should ask the people who gave him his British passport to get his Pakistani one renewed ( which obviously has expired ).......he'll get in in a matter of hours.
Suddenly the proud Britisher becomes so passionate for Pakistani passport. People of Karachi should meanwhile brace for one year hertal by the party representing the "muawasit tabqa"
what happened to shutting down Karachi for one month.I need the holiday please
Why he applied so late to get citizenship of Pakistan? Now why they (party members) stood up suddenly to get the legal right...........where were they before???