Charges against Altaf political: Interpol

Says it can’t take action; seeks clarification from Interior Ministry

KARACHI: Interpol sought clarification from the Government of Pakistan on Friday regarding the issuance of a red warrant for Muttahida Quami Movement founder Altaf Hussain, Geo News reported.

According to Interior Ministry, the Interpol responded to the FIA, saying that the Pakistani government should provide details of the sedition charges against the MQM founder.

According to a letter received by the ministry, the case lodged against the Muttahida founder seems to be of a political nature. Interpol contended that it does not intervene in religious and political matters of a state.

The officials of the Interior Ministry said that Pakistan will respond to Interpol over the matter till March 13. On Feb 15, Interpol had received FIA’s request regarding a red warrant for the London-based founder of the MQM.

According to sources, the request for a red warrant was received at Interpol headquarters located in Lyon, France. The document also included a copy of a court order declaring the MQM founder a 'fugitive'.

The FIA letter also had copy of an FIR registered against the MQM supremo in Karachi for delivering a hate speech and other documents regarding subsequent investigations into it. On Feb 3, FIA requested the Interior Ministry to issue red warrants for Altaf Hussain and bring him back to the country through Interpol in Imran Farooq murder case.

On August 22, 2016, the self-exiled MQM leader, in a speech to participants of a hunger strike outside Karachi Press Club, had incited party workers to take to the streets, ransack media houses and vandalise property. At least one person died and eight others were injured in the ensuing violence.