'Nisar convinced British authorities to withdraw support for MQM chief'

Source says strict action is likely to be taken against Altaf Hussain in light of a money laundering case against him

Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar has convinced British authorities to ‘withdraw’ their support for Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain in exchange of certain guarantees, a source told The Express Tribune.

The revelation came during a meeting between the interior minister and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif at the PM House in Islamabad on Friday. “The interior minister met the premier at the PM House to discuss his visit to the United Kingdom and his meetings with British leadership,” a PM House statement said.

Regarding the meeting, a source privy to the development said, “Nisar convinced British authorities to withdraw their support for MQM chief Altaf Hussain in exchange of certain guarantees.”

Read: Nisar meets top UK diplomat, discusses Altaf's recent inflammatory statements

"Nisar's recent visit was a continuation of last year's talks aimed at getting support from British authorities in curbing MQM and Baloch insurgents who are currently seeking asylum in UK," the source added.

Further, the source revealed that the government of Pakistan and UK authorities are in direct talks regarding cooperation in the ongoing Karachi operation as well as other strategic cooperation with UK in the region.

“Nisar also informed the premier that strict action is likely to be taken against Altaf Hussain in light of the money laundering case,” the source added, saying the Karachi operation was also discussed during the meeting between the two.

Read: 'Chaudhry Nisar in London to discuss MQM, Baloch insurgents'

Further, the premier reportedly expressed satisfaction over Nisar's visit and the decision made by UK authorities as it is believed to consequently improve the law and order situation of the metropolis.

During his visit to UK last week, the country's security czar held a meeting with his British counterpart and others to discuss issues pertaining to the murder of MQM leader Imran Farooq and party chief Altaf Hussain’s anti-state speeches.

Last month, Nisar held a meeting with British High Commissioner Phillip Barton to discuss the issue of MQM’s top leadership, which is at loggerheads with the government over an operation in Karachi and the party chief’s consequent controversial statements. The interior minister shared detailed proof of MQM chief’s speech against the State’s institutions with the top UK diplomat in Islamabad.