Criminals’ names were sought from DG Rangers 10 days ago: Altaf

KARACHI: Claiming the arrests were made from around Nine-Zero and not from within it, Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain on Wednesday said the DG Rangers was asked to provide names of the criminal elements ten days ago.

Speaking in Geo News programme “Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Saath”, he said the party officials would have handed over the arrested criminals themselves to Rangers if they were provided with the information.

Questioning intention of the paramilitary force in raiding his residence in Azizabad, Hussain said if that was the only intention then why his sister’s house was raided.

The MQM chief said the Rangers officials who raided his residence in Azizabad were very bold.

Answering a full array of questions, he admitted that there were groupings within the party. “It’s a problem of human psychology... and no one can stop this phenomenon,” he said.

He admitted that running the party affairs while living in exile abroad was not an easy task.

Commenting on Governor Sindh Dr Ishratul Ebad’s role in the prevailing political situation of the province, he said Ebad was frail now and cannot do much to impose his authority over grand scheme of things at the moment.

Speaking about his longstanding demand of calling Army to intervene in civilian matters, Hussain said he still supported martial law. However, he added that the military ruler must be a brave heart like Kamal Pasha Ataturk.

On a query, Altaf Hussain said it was a part of his strategy to build multiple leaders rather than just one unlike many political parties in the country.

Answering a question regarding Sualat Mirza, the MQM chief said that he has heard his name and will not object to implementation of his lawful punishment.