Sale of KKF properties: FIA issues notices to MQM, PSP leaders

KARACHI: Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) Counter Terrorism Wing (CTW) issued notices to two political leaders -- one of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and other of Pak-Sarzameen Party (PSP) Punjab chapter -- for allegedly selling MQM’s charity wing KKF’s properties illegally in Lahore and Multan.

According to the official record accessed by The News, the notices were issued to Punjab MQM leader Abid Gujjar and Punjab PSP leader Iftikhar Randhawa for selling out MQM’s charity wing Khidmat-e-Khalq Foundation (KKF) precious properties reserved for offices in Lahore and Multan.

According to FIA sources, Multan’s KKF office was sold at 70 million by Mr Randhawa while Lahore property was sold out by Mr Gujjar. Both the leaders had power of attorney of the said properties, which they allegedly misused.

Iftikhar Randhawa joined Pak-Sarzameen Party (PSP) two years back, however, Mr Gujajr is still in the fold of his original party -- MQM. FIA sources also added that agency had information that due to the ongoing inquiry Mr Gujajr had fled the country. Official record of Punjab Land Record Department (copies available with this reporter) confirmed that Mr Randhawa had sold the property of Multan KKF.

Earlier, FIA had taken cognizance of the alleged money-laundering done through KKF accounts; registered a FIR against Altaf Hussain and some other party leaders in 2017 and matter was assigned to FIA’s Counter Terrorism Wing for investigation.

FIA sources added that in same inquiry, FIA had identified at least 200 plus of the 700 plus ‘supporters’ and ‘donors’ who gave money to the KKF including businessmen, builders, doctors and even teachers.

FIA had termed the practice money laundering by the party’s top leadership. FIA sources informed ‘The News’ that the KKF was established in 1988 and the MQM mostly generated and then distributed funds through it.

These funds were ‘misused’ and some Rs5 to 6 billion was sent to London to MQM leaders, including Altaf Hussain.

This reporter approached both the political leaders Abid Gujjar and Iftikhar Randhawa but cell numbers of both were switched off for many days, however detailed text messages were sent to their all contact numbers.

MQM leader Aminul Haq said that it was their wish that KKF should remain intact to serve the poor and needy people of Pakistan. Mr Haq added that their Lahore properties were not sold by Mr Gujjar however Multan property was sold out by Iftikhar Randhawa who had joined PSP.

Mr Haq denied that party leader Mr Gujajr had left the country amid FIA inquiry. “Issue is in our knowledge and raised at all proper forums including FIA to save our properties,” added Mr Haq.

Replying to a question regarding accusation of money-laundering through KKF accounts, Mr Haq said any person who had committed crime should be dealt with according to law apart from his party affiliation. Waseem Aftab, PSP Spokesman showed his unawareness about the matter and suggested to contact Mr Randhawa.