PTI submits resolution in Punjab Assembly against Altaf’s statement

LAHORE: Lawmakers of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Monday submitted a resolution in the Punjab assembly against remarks made by Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain in a recent speech to party workers.

The resolution, submitted by Opposition Leader Mian Mehmoodur Rasheed, demands the federal government to pursue the matter on a diplomatic level with the United Kingdom, where Hussain resides in self-imposed asylum.

The MQM chief had criticized the military leadership in a speech to party workers last week, termed by many as ‘hate speech’ and irresponsible.

Hussain's remarks had come hours after senior Karachi police officer Rao Anwar called for a ban against the MQM for its alleged links with the Indian secret agency Research and Analysis Wing (RAW).

PTI chairman Imran Khan had urged the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) led government to take up the issue of Hussain’s alleged hate speech with the British authorities.

A spokesman for the Pakistan Army had termed Hussain’s statement against it as disgusting and warned that such remarks would not be tolerated. The ISPR had said that it would pursue the matter legally.