Altaf Hussain’s speech

The speeches being delivered by MQM chief Altaf Hussain are becoming increasingly provocative and irrational. In his latest address, made from London to MQM supporters in Dallas, he had suggested that Nato and UN forces be called in to investigate, what he termed a campaign against the MQM in Karachi, and where responsibility for it lies. Coming from the chief of an important political party, such irresponsible statements do nothing for the MQM’s cause. Given the wording of the MQM leader’s speech, it is difficult to believe the rather feeble denial issued by the party that its head had not called for foreign intervention. The Pakistan government expressed its outrage, with Chaudry Nisar Ali Khan, the interior minister, saying it was considering moving a legal reference against Mr Hussain, who has lived in the UK since the 1990s. Chaudry Nisar has said the UK government and police would be contacted regarding what he terms an attack on Pakistan’s sovereignty. Britain’s high commissioner to Pakistan is also being summoned. However, it remains unclear whether Mr Hussain broke any British laws during the course of his speech and whether any move by the Pakistan government in this regard would bear any fruit.



Be that as it may, the MQM needs to review the facts clearly and practically. The operation being carried out in Karachi, which the party perceives targets it, has clearly helped improve law and order in the city and does have support of important stakeholders, including citizens. The Rangers have been able to bring down the rate of crime and also put some dent in the corrupt activities of various mafias operating in the city. Given these realities, the MQM as a major party needs to be much more cautious about what it says and precisely what language its leaders use. Mr Hussain’s latest call is, essentially, unacceptable and the government’s outrage is understandable. However, it needs to correct the perception that has developed that the operation by the law-enforcement agencies specifically targets Karachi and its political parties. While there is a need for the major parties of the city to cleanse themselves of any criminal elements that may exist within them, there is also a need for the kind of action being carried out by the authorities to be extended to all parts of the country.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 4^th,  2015.

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