Nisar’s statement an attempt to create conflict between MQM, armed forces: Rabita Committe

Party to hold protest against interior minister outside Karachi Press Club on Tuesday

KARACHI: The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) on Monday claimed that Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan’s statement against party chief Altaf Hussain was an attempt to create conflict between the party and the military.

Addressing a press conference late on Monday, MQM leaders asked where was the interior minister’s honour when former president Asif Ali Zardari had used harsh words against the Army during a recent speech.

They announced that the party would stage a protest against Nisar outside the Karachi Press Club on Tuesday.

MQM's parliamentary leader Dr Farooq Sattar said that attempts to separate Muahjirs and Altaf would never succeed.

Taking a jibe at the interior minister, Sattar said Nisar was suffering from Altaf-phobia.

“For the last 37 years, the party has been facing similar situations. In the past too, efforts have been made to sow discord between the MQM and the armed forces. But we are with the forces,” he added.

Read: Nisar says govt will approach UK against Altaf's latest outburst

Earlier on Monday, Nisar had said that foul language used against the security forces by MQM chief will not be tolerated, adding that it may be taken up with British authorities.

Terming Altaf’s speech as unacceptable and condemnable, the interior minister had said that the government had so far tolerated such remarks, but now it was the time to talk to the United Kingdom about Altaf’s hate speech from London. He added that anyone sitting abroad will not be allowed to malign the armed forces.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif too had criticised Altaf's comments.