ATC in Quetta issues non-bailable arrest warrant for Altaf Hussain

Judge orders authorities to arrest the MQM chief and produce him in court on August 25

QUETTA: An anti-terrorism court in Quetta issued on Friday a non-bailable arrest warrant for Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain.

During the hearing of a petition filed by Khudai Rahim, a resident in Pashin district of the province, ATC-II judge Nauroz Khan Houth directed issuance of the warrants.

Further, the judge directed authorities to produce the MQM chief in court on August 25.

Read: On derogatory remarks: Non-bailable arrest warrant issued for Altaf Hussain

The petitioner had contended that the MQM chief used derogatory remarks against the armed forces of the country as well as sought help from Pakistan’s enemies to intervene in the country’s affairs.

Similarly, on July 30, an ATC in Gilgit-Baltistan issued a non-bailable arrests warrant for the MQM chief for using defamatory language against the armed forces.

Read: ATC issues non-bailable arrest warrant for Altaf Hussain in 'intimidation' case

The decision was announced by Justice Raja Shahbab of ATC-1 during the hearing of cases filed against the self-exiled leader in various police stations across G-B. This was the first time a court issued non-bailable warrants for Altaf Hussain, who has been living in London since 1991, after scores of FIRs were registered against him across the country.

Read: Threatening remarks: ATC issues Altaf’s non-bailable arrest warrants

Subsequently, about 50 cases were registered under sections pertaining to terrorism and criminal intimidation.

The MQM chief, in his July 12 speech, had allegedly used deprecating language against the security forces and Rangers.