In a day of rapid developments that have the potential to reshape the political dynamics of Pakistan, the top brass of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) raised a virtual banner of revolt against party leader Altaf Hussain. Mr. Hussain has been running the MQM from London, where he lives in a self-imposed exile, since 1991.
The revolt came after the civilian and security establishments read the riot act to Mr. Hussain, forcing him to apologise to the military establishment, including to Army chief General Raheel Sharif and Sindh Director General (DG) Rangers Maj. Gen Bilal Akbar, for an “anti-Pakistan” speech.
Incendiary speech His remarks, made on Monday in the course of a telephone address to the MQM leaders, triggered an attack on Samaa, ARY and Neo television channel offices in the city, leading to one death.
“From the depth of my heart, I beg pardon for my remarks against Pakistan, the establishment, including General Raheel Sharif and DG Rangers,” Mr. Hussain said in a statement posted on Twitter. “Being a Pakistani, I assure the Pakistani people, establishment, army, ISI, all higher authorities and leaders that I will never use such words again,” he added.
Within hours of his speech on Monday, the Pakistani Rangers raided the MQM headquarters, took several of the party leaders into custody and subsequently put lock on its entrance gate.
Among those arrested was the deputy-convener of the MQM, Farooq Sattar, who later led the revolt against Mr. Hussain.
At a news conference televised by all major Pakistani channels on Tuesday evening, Mr. Sattar, flanked by senior leaders, asserted that such action would not be repeated in future.
He added his party would fully support the ongoing operations of Rangers in Karachi. The giveaway line in his presser was that all decisions would be taken by the MQM Rabitta Committee Pakistan in future. “MQM is registered in Pakistan, therefore, it is better operated from here.”
Taking control of MQM Mr. Sattar said it would be better for the MQM to operate from Pakistan until Altaf Hussain’s health issues are resolved. He also announced that he will be assuming control of the party leadership, urging the authorities concerned to reopen its offices.
“I would like to categorically state that the MQM is registered in Pakistan and recognises the laws and Constitution of Pakistan,” said Mr. Sattar.
A Pakistan English daily claimed that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority on Monday banned MQM’s website following orders from the government.
“Speaking to The Express Tribune , a PTA official confirmed they received orders from the government to block IP addresses that lead to the party’s website. The site is inaccessible in Pakistan only and is still online in other countries”, it said in a report.
