MQM-P denies links with arrested former lawmaker

The Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) has denied any association with Nisar Ahmed Panhwar, a former MPA, who was reportedly arrested by law enforcement agencies in the wee hours of Tuesday.

Panhwar was elected in the past an MNA and MPA from then NA-246 and PS-127 in District Malir on the MQM ticket. Police sources said the law enforcement agencies arrested him in Gulistan-e-Jauhar in a case under a section of the anti-terrorism act (ATA) and other sections of the Pakistan Penal Code.

Panhwar was seen raising slogans in favour of MQM founder Altaf Hussain, besides inciting people for terrorism, said police sources. However, the MQM-P in a statement said the political party – which had renamed itself from the MQM to the MQM-P after disassociating itself with the party founder after August 22, 2016 incident – has no connection with Panhwar for many years. “Panhwar is solely responsible for his activities. The MQM-P has firm belief in national unity and sovereignty,” a spokesperson for the MQM-P told The News.