Altaf quits powers, accepts Karachi’s decision

Farooq Sattar says confusion has ended after MQM supremo’s statement; Karachi’s decision imposed on those in London for first time; won’t give chance to Altaf to address workers

KARACHI: Deputy Convener of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Dr Farooq Sattar on Wednesday said that he was the party head in the country and those sitting in London had accepted the decisions made in Pakistan.

Talking to the media here along with party leader Khawaja Izharul Hasan, he said that for the first time a decision made in Karachi had been imposed on those in London, and after Altaf Hussain’s statement confusion had ended.

He was referring to a recent statement issued by MQM founder Altaf Hussain where he handed over all the powers to run the party to the Rabita Committee.“The MQM is working for politics in Pakistan. All of its decisions will be made in Pakistan,” Farooq Sattar said, adding that they would not give a chance or platform to Altaf to address the party workers.

He said that Altaf Hussain’s role as the founder of the party will remain intact as the MQM had been registered in his name in Pakistan. Sattar appealed for opening the party offices, including Nine-Zero.

Khawaja Izhar agreed with Farooq Sattar. “It is clear that all important decisions related to the party will be taken in Pakistan,” Izhar said.“Exactly how the MQM offices were sealed they will be unsealed. All the allegations against Waseem Akhtar are baseless,” Izhar said. “We call for a transparent investigation into the issue so that Waseem Akhtar can serve the city as soon as possible.”

In a statement issued by the party on its website on Wednesday, the MQM supremo accepted the decision announced by Farooq Sattar in a press conference held at the Karachi Press Club yesterday. Sattar, accompanied by several senior leaders, said that due to mental stress that Altaf Hussain faces, the party decisions will be taken by the Rabita Committee in Pakistan.

“I respect the decision the MQM leaders have taken in their press conference. As the founder of the party, I hand over the powers to make decisions and organising the party to the Rabita Committee,” the statement, as quoted by BBC Urdu, said.

The statement adds that Altaf Hussain will pay attention to his health as directed by the Rabita Committee.

The party’s website is blocked in Pakistan.Sattar, flanked by senior leaders of the party, announced at a press conference in Karachi on Tuesday that future party decisions would be made by the MQM Rabita Committee in Pakistan.

The announcement followed a crackdown by the Sindh Rangers on the MQM leaders and offices after the party workers stormed media offices on the directives of party chief Altaf Hussain, who lives in self-exile in London. At least one person was killed in the violence that ensued after the provocative speech.