Altaf summons top MQM leaders to London

LONDON: Almost all important and senior Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) leaders have reached London for important round of talks concerning the situation in Pakistan as well as three inquiries involving the MQM by the Police in Britain.
Dr Farooq Sattar, Senator Babar Ghauri, Adil Siddiqui, Rauf Siddiqui, Khawaja Sohail Mansoor and Dr Arshad are here for an indefinite period for important talks to review the situation concerning the cases in the UK and also to chalk out a strategy.
It is believed that the senior MQM leaders have placed requests for meetings with officials of the British government, especially the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) official responsible for setting up policy related to Pakistan.
Prior to their arrival in the UK, the MQM had written a letter to the British government, the Home Office and the Metropolitan Police alleging that it’s UK based leadership is being subjected to victimisation in the cases involving money-laundering, Dr Imran Farooq’s murder and the hate speech.
“The purpose of these meetings is to evaluate the ongoing situation in Pakistan but essentially make a strategy as to how to deal with the cases in Britain in an effective legal way. We are already doing that and defending our position,” said an MQM source on condition of anonymity, adding that these leaders will also discuss matters related to the party’s accounts, taxation, difficulties in payments, monthly salaries and other related matters.
The MQM has confirmed that its accounts have been shut by some banks in the UK—these banks include Barclays, Royal Bank of Scotland etc.Recently, senior MQM leader Rauf Sidduqi had questioned the UK authorities why these accounts have been frozen or shut.
The source said that Altaf Hussain, the leader and founder of the party, particularly called these leaders from Pakistan to seek their consultations and find a way forward and “to set up a new system.”
“There are several matters that need to be sorted out and streamlined in Britain and that’s why these meetings are very important. These leaders will stay in London for as long as it takes,” said the source.
The MQM has asked the British government why its UK based leadership is being harassed and given mental torture by the investigators from the Scotland Yard and Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs.The Metropolitan Police has confirmed receiving letter from MQM’s Rauf Siddiqui on December 27, 2013.