Anti-state remarks: PTI asks govt to arrest Altaf with Interpol’s help

MUZAFFARABAD/ QUETTA/ LAHORE/ KARACHI:

In the aftermath of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain’s derogatory remarks against the law enforcement agencies followed by his recent plea to the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato) and the United Nations to send their troops to Karachi, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) submitted resolutions in both Sindh and Punjab assemblies against the unsavoury statement.

PTI leader Samar Ali Khan on Monday moved a resolution in the Sindh Assembly, requesting it to approach the federal government against the statements made by the MQM supremo.

“The continuous interference by a British citizen in the internal affairs of our country is against all norms of internal diplomacy,” the resolution said.

It further reads: “MQM chief has ridiculed the Pakistan Army and its leadership time and again and is outraged over his recent plea to the Nato and the United Nations to send armed forces to Karachi and his appeal to India to get involved in our internal matters and to achieve his vested interests through India.”

Punjab Assembly

The Leader of Opposition Mian Mehmoodur Rasheed of PTI submitted a resolution in the Punjab Assembly on Monday against the MQM leader, calling for prosecuting Altaf under treason charges.

This was the third time since May that Rasheed has submitted a resolution against the MQM chief.

The motion accused Altaf of repeatedly delivering speeches against the state and national institutions, including Pakistan Army. It condemns him for urging India to use power against Pakistan to achieve New Delhi’s goals.

MQM ministers warned

The government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) has given 72 hours ultimatum to the two MQM ministers to disassociate themselves from Altaf or quit the cabinet.

PPP AJK Secretary General and Finance Minister Chaudhry Latif Akbar conveyed the party’s decision to the MQM parliamentary leader in AJK and Transport Minister Tahir Khokhar.

Balochistan CM criticises Altaf

Chief Minister Balochistan Dr Abdul Malik Baloch criticised Altaf’s derogatory statement, saying his repeated negative remarks are a threat to the “integrity” of the country.

“The country is today confronted with extremism, religious sectarianism, terrorism and lawlessness,” he said.

PTI leader meets UK officers

PTI Karachi chapter leader Faisal Vawda met officers from the Scotland Yard in London on Monday. His team of lawyers also accompanied him during the meeting.

Vawda, who is in London with the approval of the party chief Imran Khan, is leading the protests against the MQM supremo staged by the party’s UK chapter.

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