Treason: ‘UK govt should investigate MQM-India ties’

DERA GHAZI KHAN:

National Assembly Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Owais Khan Leghari said on Friday said the prime minister and the security establishment have a clear stance on the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and its leader, Altaf Hussain.

“The government and the armed forces have decided that to rid the country of terrorism. Efforts are being made to rid key cities of the country of elements involved in organised crime,” he said.

He said Altaf Hussain was being protected by the British. “The government of the United Kingdom will be contacted on the overwhelming evidence against Altaf and his involvement in efforts to destabilise Pakistan,” he said.

“The United Kingdom should not only investigate Imran Farooq’s murder, but also launch an inquiry on India’s involvement with the MQM,” he said. “Pakistan is not levelling baseless allegations against India,” he said. He said British officials had been provided proof of India’s involvement in Karachi. “We have demanded that this should be looked into.”

Leghari said complaints against Altaf over his speech against Pakistan’s security establishment had been moved by concerned citizens. “No one will tolerate insults to our armed forces,” he said.

He said the agreement between United States and Iran should be lauded. “This deal shows that an uncompromising policy adopted by a government achieves nothing for its people,” he said.

He said Pakistan would benefit from trade with Iran. “The government of Pakistan has adopted investment-friendly policies. The deal between United States and Iran will open new doors for Pakistan.”

Published in The Express Tribune, July 18^th, 2015.