'Provocative' remarks: Altaf apologises for disparaging remarks against armed forces

Says his remarks about seeking help from Raw were sarcastic

KARACHI: Having faced strong criticism over his comments regarding the army, Muttahida Qoumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain on Friday apologised if his words had "hurt national security institutions and patriotic people."

In an address to MQM workers who had gathered at Nine-Zero early on Friday morning, Altaf had criticised the army. The army had strongly reacted to his statement, followed by senior government officials, ministers and even members of the opposition.

In a statement released on Friday evening, Altaf said that he never intended to disparage the government or any respected institution and regretted that his speech had not been fully understood and was considered completely out of the context.

Read: Altaf Hussain did not criticise Pakistan Army: MQM

He added that his party, the MQM, had organised the largest rally in support of army's Operation Zarb-e-Azb against terrorists. “I had saluted the Pak(istan) Army in front of hundreds of thousands of people. I will continue to respect Pakistan Army.”

Remarks on Raw were sarcastic

Referring to comments made about association with Indian spy agency Raw, the MQM chief said they were sarcastic and that they remain loyal to Pakistan.

“I had talked about getting help from RAW in a sarcastic manner. However, I apologise from the core of my heart if my words have hurt the feelings of national security institutions and patriotic people of the country.”

He added that it was natural to feel hurt at being accused of harbouring enmity against their country when the arrested people were shown on television as agents of RAW, and what he claimed was the false implication of MQM.

“I had stated it clearly in my address that Pakistan is our country, and we will not immigrate to any other land now.

Read: Irresponsible remarks against Pakistan Army will not be tolerated, says General Bajwa

“Do not bring a question mark on the loyalty of Muhajirs and refrain from using contemptuous remarks against them. This should end once and for all.

“Pakistan is our country, and it will remain our country. Our life and death are tied with Pakistan.”

“I also want to make it clear that Muhajirs have no relations with any country other than Pakistan.”

Altaf's statement came hours after the MQM's Rabita Committee had clarified that the statement of the party’s chief did not censure the armed forces, and in fact applauded the leadership of army chief General Raheel Sharif.

Earlier during the day, the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) had reacted to the speech, terming it uncalled for, irresponsible and disgusting.