Reference against Altaf sent to UK

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Interior has sent a formal reference against the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) founder Altaf Hussain to the British government by providing the transcript of his speech and all other relevant evidence against him for inciting public to violence and disrupting peace in Pakistan.

A spokesperson for the Interior Ministry in a statement said the British government has been asked in the reference to take legal action against Altaf Hussain for violating British and international laws.

The content of the reference as submitted to the British authorities from Pakistan’s Interior Ministry reads as, “British government should take legal action against the elements responsible for instigating public in Pakistan on violence and disrupting peace situation in Pakistan. Altaf Hussain has committed violation of British laws; therefore, British government should take legal action against him.”

The reference also attached relevant evidence related to recording of Altaf Hussain’s speeches, in which he incited the public to violence and to attack media organisations in Karachi. It said the MQM founder is responsible for disrupting peace in Pakistan whileaction should be taken against him.

The government of Pakistan, however, has not asked the British authorities to handover Altaf to Pakistan. It is worth mentioning here that the MQM founder in his August 22 speech to party workers sitting outside Karachi Press Club not only raised anti-Pakistan slogans but also incited the party workers to attack private news channels offices and as a result hundreds of MQM workers ransacked private news channel offices and also put on fire scores of public vehicles in Karachi.

Meanwhile, the Scotland Yard said it is obtaining translation of the Altaf Hussain’s speech for investigation. It said it can’t confirm receiving any reference from the Pakistan government against Altaf.