MQM chief Altaf Hussain. PHOTO: MQM
ISLAMABAD:
The news of MQM chief Altaf Hussain’s arrest in London drew reactions from across the political spectrum, with a majority of party leaders appealing for law and order to prevail, particularly in Karachi.
The PM’s Office issued a statement expressing “grief over the reaction in Karachi after the arrest of Altaf Hussain in London”, adding that this does not “warrant the loss of people’s lives and properties”. The PM has directed law enforcement officials and the provincial government to ensure the safety of people in Karachi, while directing the Pakistan High Commission in London to provide consular services to the MQM leader. “The government is ready to provide all kinds of legal and moral support to Mr. Altaf Hussain,” the statement added.
Former president Asif Ali Zardari termed the arrest a ‘sensitive matter’. He added that the United Kingdom is known for its rule of law as well as its traditions of protecting human rights. The former president demanded ‘complete justice’ and said the process to protect the MQM leader’s rights must be made in a transparent manner, with a fair trial fulfilling international laws.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Sindh Qaim Ali Shah said he was ‘saddened’ by the news and expressed his sympathies with MQM leaders and workers. He also contacted Governor Ishratul Ebad in order to express his sympathies. The chief minister appealed to party workers to maintain peace in Karachi and across the province. He said he prayed for the early recovery of the MQM chief, following reports of his declining health.
PTI Chairman Imran Khan said that despite his party’s differences with the MQM, it “sympathises with MQM workers at this difficult time”. Another senior PTI party leader Asad Umar said that rule of law must prevail in this situation, adding that Altaf Hussain is a citizen of the UK and therefore must face the law of the land.
Leader of the opposition in the National Assembly Syed Khursheed Shah said the government must aid the MQM leader through diplomatic channels. He further said that the act of the British authorities to detain Altaf Hussain could have serious implications for Pakistani politics.
Awami Muslim League Chief Sheikh Rashid Ahmed said “this is a difficult time for the MQM”, reiterating that peace and stability in Karachi must not be disturbed at any cost.
ANP leader Zahid Khan said his party sympathises with the MQM and its workers. The party should expect justice from the UK institutions, he added.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 4th, 2014.
COMMENTS (40)
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MQM leaders said all the businesses were closed by the traders and businessmen them selves to protest against the arrest of their leader. The fact is all the shops and factories were shut by MQM Gunda's threatening them with dire consequences. It is a criminals party no sympathies for it.
@ mrs ahmed......this your Socrates,,,,ran from pak in 1991 and is trying to run from london now a days... The souls Socrates and Galileo just tried to commit a suicide after reading your comment.
@mrs ahmed: Your comparisons are erroneous, misleading, and deceitful.
@mrs ahmed: "...that in todays pakistan we have atleast one person who espouses equality . pluralism , multiculturalism and multi ethnic....
If you meant Altaf Hussain, then he is not in Pakistan! In fact his ship set sails in 1991 and has been firmly anchored in England ever since! Scotland Yard would gladly provide his current address if anyone asks for it. Disorientation in time and place are hallmarks of delirium. Hope the effects whatever you took wear off soon!
@ObserverUSA: "At worst, he will go to jail for a while. So the high sounding comparison is not factual or real."
Timely reality check for sycophants like Mrs Ahmaq; thanks.
@mrs ahmed: Comparing Socrates and Galileo with Altaf is preposterous. The former were intellectuals of a very high standing. Ibne Khaldun was a master historian and the first sociologist (Toynbee). Altaf Bhai is a leader of misled people. Moreover, Altaf is not going to have any capital punishment as Socrates and Galileo were subjected to. At worst, he will go to jail for a while. So the high sounding comparison is not factual or real.
I cried all last night with laughter at this neckless. mafia thug.
Shame on all these so called politicians..
@MA: "all the sympathizers must be laughing their heads off after putting their phone down!!"
I laughed so hard, almost fall off the chair, thank you, you made my day. We know that politicians all over the world has thicker skin but Pakistanis take the cake.
do they have an option other than sympathizing? karachi is already shut down...
Shame to see all politician's expressing sympathy with this so called leader (Allah kehir kare)
Lets recall something.
He has three charges alleged on him out of which one is for Incitement for expressing hatred and giving death threats. These incidents relate to MQM's khitab done by Mr Altaf just before elections and threats were given to PTI workers.
PTI workers or probably many other citizens of the country had called British Metropolitan police to complain of this threat, since volume of complaints had crossed 100k in few hours hence, this became a matter of concern in UK.
Now, when police have gathered evidence of several other acitivities inluding mentioned above to formally press charges against Altaf, same PTI is expressing grief today????? HOW COME? WHY? What made IK and his leadership to chnage views today?
Are wrong charges being pressed against him? Does any one smells some sort of a consiparcy or propanganda?
Conclusion: ALL, I repeat ALL of them are Hyprocrites.
Hypocrisy at its best. Now JI also trust Western Police and Judicial system. It has forgotten its comments about Western Judicial system during Dr. Aafia's case.
For all those wondering why IK is offering sympathy. Please note, he is offering sympathy to the MQM workers. It must suck for them to be supporting Altaf at this time, not mention most of them are in denial. However, no sympathy for Altaf, as he has done this to himself. Please be able to read what IK said instead of quickly jumping to criticism.
Dear Altaf Bhai, Come back, you shall be made Prime Minister, if not elected then President, if not you atleast can be Minister for investments. Sell every thing like Zardari and shift your money abroad. You shall have respect more. As currept people in Pakistan has much more respect.
Hahahahahah!!! I couldnt stop laughing at this news....and isn't it weird that all crooks suddenly fall ill on their arrests?
Since yesterday morning i was very sad , while going to bed it dawned on me this must be the way , followers of socratese (suqrat) may have felt when he was ready to drink poison , this must me the feeling of followers of Galilio when he was incarcerated for declaring the world is not flat , this must be the heart minds of the few followers of Ibe ne Khuldoon when he was under trials , the list goes on , therefore i must rejoice that the leader i am sad for is following the foot steps of people who live for always , this is the time to be happy that in todays pakistan we have atleast one person who espouses equality . pluralism , multiculturalism and multi ethnic , gender equality , faith not being biggest obstacle in social cohesion, abhors all kind of bias and prejudice .Otherwise he would have been left alone like other ordinary men who claim to the leadership of pakistan , to enjoy the filth of illgotten wealth , i dont need to name people know them , so all MQM followers Kaun kehta hai suqrat mer giya oos piyalay mein zaher tha hee nahein
all the sympathizers must be laughing their heads off after putting their phone down!!
Typical Pakistan reaction reason or no reason, but there must b violence every time... shameful country of lunatics....
Why show sympathy for somebody accused of potential violation of law?!
These crooks loot and plunder in Pakistan, they have no sense of justice or legal system like it is in the civilized world.
Now one is trapped (we don't know yet what will be outcome so hold your guns there) and sympathies are pouring in. Shameless and very accurate representation of Pakistan.
@Aftab: He and honest.....This can't happen at least in this world and during present birth.
May Allah have mercy on Karachi.
How shamefully Pakistani leadership is showing human sympathy on the arrest of a criminal and much the best and excellent way of point scoring before MQM by the present leadership!!!!
What is the problem with our politician ? They all are worried about british criminal.
Justice will prevail: If not in Pak then may be in UK and if not here then may be hereafter!
Finally the justice will prevail.. I don't have sympathy for person like him who has killed or order so many innocent people. I hope he finally comes out and tell the truth and be honest one last time.
Is the government tipping? Have they no shame to show sympathy for someone who is convicted of criminal activities?
@Timorlane: Maybe it was imported from Britain in the late 1960's.
Sympathy to the MQM, and congratulations to the people of Karachi.
Everyone sympathizing but really happy inside ......
"Political leaders offer sympathy to MQM" Hypocrisy at its best......
Mr PM please ask tax payers if they are willing to provide any support to a criminal. He has criminal charges so please avoid spending public money on protection of a criminal.
What sort of hypocrite our politicians are? From core of their hearts everyone must be happy and greedily looking towards tragic end of Bhaijaan.
Why make silly comments? The government should reserve judgement and allow the legal process to run its course in the UK?
All shedding crocodile tears.
sympathy..... Y ???
What was the role of the Railway Locomotive in the arrest of Mr. Altaf Hussain that it was burned ?
My sympathy to all criminal / gangsters (who are behind the bars) and their followers !
Why sympathies for criminals??
Crooks friends of Crooks