Imran terms BBC report on MQM 'serious allegation'

KARACHI: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan has termed the BBC report on Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) receiving funding from India as a 'serious allegation'.

Speaking with reporters at Jinnah Hospital here on Thursday, the PTI chief stressed this was an issue of treason. “This is a claim of treason which centers on you (MQM) receiving funding and training of India’s spy agency RAW. This is a serious allegation.”

Imran added that after this report if the MQM failed to file defamation case against the BBC it might mean that the violence in Karachi could have been carried out on the directives of RAW. “If the MQM says it has no connections with RAW it should file a case against BBC.”

The PTI chairman further said that if the leader of an India political party was accused of links with the ISI he would not be allowed to function even for one day.

The BBC on Wednesday aired a report which claims the MQM had received funds and training from India. The party dismissed the BBC's claims as baseless.