Set free: Rangers tell court of Qamar Mansoor’s release

Party tells workers not to contact Mansoor, relieves him of all responsibilities

KARACHI: The Rangers informed an anti-terrorism court on Wednesday about the release of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) leader Qamar Mansoor from prison.

The paramilitary force informed the court that no clues were found against him for his involvement in terror acts, during the course of investigations.

Mansoor, a member of MQM’s Rabita Committee, and his comrade Kaiful Wara were taken into custody during the second paramilitary swoop at the party headquarters this year in the wee hours of July 17.

Wara was, however, released a few days later on personal surety that he will appear before the investigators whenever summoned. On July 22, Mansoor was formally sent into custody for the 90-day detention over his alleged involvement in target killings, extortion, kidnappings and other acts of terrorism.

At the time of his detention, the Rangers had claimed to have ‘credible information’ for his involvement in the above mentioned offences but they were unable to substantiate their claims later.

The release report, submitted by an official of the paramilitary force, read that the prevention detention clause was withdrawn from the MQM leader as he was not found involved in any offence punishable under the anti-terror law.

Mansoor was kept under preventive detention for at least 49 days during which his legal team moved the court a number of times, seeking medical assistance for him at a private hospital. He complained of severe back pain and worsening kidney problems and was even made to visit a private health facility during his detention. The arrests were made at a time when a speech made by MQM chief Altaf Hussain had created tensions.

MQM relieves Mansoor of party responsibilities

Hours after the news of his release surfaced, the MQM issued a statement announcing that Mansoor was relieved of all organisational responsibilities within the party, in view of “his mental and physical condition”.

The MQM said that the decision was taken during a joint meeting of the Pakistan and London Rabita Committees after Mansoor expressed some apprehensions.

The party has also asked its workers not to contact him for any organisational issues, however, his family has been welcomed to come to Nine Zero anytime they face problems, difficulties or need assistance.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 10^th, 2015.