UK asked why action against Altaf not taken over violence incitement

LONDON: Chair of All Party Parliamentary Group on Tackling Terrorism in British Parliament Khalid Mahmood MP has called on the British government to explain why no action has been taken against the London-based leader of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Altaf Hussain over his links with acts of violence in Karachi, Pakistan’s hub of commercial activities.

In a letter to Home Secretary Amber Rudd MP and Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson MP, the Labour MP from Perry Bar questioned silence of the British government and asked why Altaf Hussain has not been reigned into despite his known links with acts of violence and his open incitement of terrorism in Pakistan from London.

Khalid Mahmood wrote that Altaf Hussain, who has been exiled in the United Kingdom for over 20 years, has long been linked with “torture, murder and intimidation”. He told the UK government ministers that following Altaf Hussain’s incitement of violence on 22nd of August, two TV stations in Pakistan were attacked. He added: “I strongly believe that British citizens should not be using the United Kingdom as a political base to incite violence against countries that the United Kingdom is allied with, such as Pakistan.

“Can you please explain to me why the British government has taken no action to date against Mr Hussain? What liaison has the British government had with the Metropolitan Police and Counter Terrorism officers regarding Mr Hussain?”

Khalid Mahmood asked the British government to explain what steps it has taken following attacks on two television channels incited from London. “What assistance has the Foreign Office offered the Pakistani government since the attacks on the two TV stations? How is the Foreign Office and security services working with the Pakistani government to strengthen ties to tackle terrorism? Will the home secretary reaffirm the British government's position on tackling individuals who incite hatred and violence, whether that is on British or foreign soil.”

Speaking to The News, the Labour MP said it was astonishing that the Scotland Yard has not taken action against Altaf Hussain’s highly provocative speeches. He said it was a matter of high concern that a list of explosives was found at the home of Altaf Hussain but the police has yet not taken any action against Hussain.