Pakistani authorities have charged the exiled leader of a major political party with treason and inciting terrorism after violent protests in Karachi.
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Supporters of the MQM attacked TV stations and clashed with police overnight in the port city of Karachi after their self-exiled leader, Altaf Hussain, broadcast a speech from London.
For more than two decades, Hussain has addressed supporters through a loudspeaker linked to his London home telephone.
The secular party represents ethnic Mohajirs – those who fled to Pakistan from India during the 1947 partition – and has long dominated politics in Karachi. Protests by its followers – often triggered by statements by Hussain, who has lived in London since 1992 – have over the years triggered stock-market gyrations and political upheaval.
“The MQM can not afford to suffer this damage time and time again”, he said, explaining what he claimed was a party decision to take control away from Hussain. He incited them to target media houses, government buildings and civil armed forces and once the audience asked him for permission to go and target them he gave his blessing to do so.
The case pertains to the attack on “ARY” News’ office, vandalising of property, arson and pelting of stones at police.
Hospitals confirmed at least one person was killed and nine others injured in firing incidents.
The party, which denies any link to crime, has accused the Rangers of carrying out dozens of extra-judicial killings of its members since a crackdown on crime in Karachi in 2013.
Sattar’s speech was received well in the Pakistani press, but it clearly was an attempt at damage control.
Politicians can govern from police custody under Pakistani law but it is not clear how Akhtar could run the city from his prison cell. He said if General Raheel continued operation against terrorists in Karachi “we are with him” and if he falls victim of political consideration like Nawaz Sharif and Zardari by not taking action against MQM then he may diminish his own stature. The provocative and hate speech made by Altaf Hussain sent a loud and clear message not only to people of Pakistan but also to the global community that the judicial ban imposed on reporting speeches of Altaf was based on merit and therefore, absolutely justified.
Also on Tuesday, MQM leader Farooq Sattar told a news conference that the party will not accept anti-Pakistan slogans from Altaf Hussain or anybody else.
The MQM’s website has also been blocked.
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MQM officials have said they’ll request authorities to provide him with a nicely-furnished office.
