Too early to consider Sattar's takeover of MQM as 'minus one formula': Asif

ISLAMABAD: Defense Minister Khawaja Asif terming repentances and resignations by the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) a 'routine affair' on Tuesday said that we should not rush to consider takeover of party leadership by Farooq Sattar as 'minus one formula'.

In extraordinary developments on Tuesday, the MQM Pakistan distanced itself from controversial anti-Pakistan statements made by the party leadership in London, with Deputy Convener Farooq Sattar taking control of the party leadership.

Sattar, flanked by senior leaders of the party, announced at a press conference in Karachi that future party decisions would be made by the MQM Rabita Committee in Pakistan.

Talking to Geo News, Khawaja Asif said that we will have to analyze the move by the MQM leadership in Pakistan as to whether it is party management or something else.

Chief of Qaumi Awami Tehreek, Ayaz Lateef Palijo termed Farooq Sattar's press conference a move to evade treason case and restoration of party offices.

 He also suggested postponing the election for mayors and deputy mayors until a verdict is not announced in the treason case.

A treason case was registered against MQM chief Altaf Hussain on Tuesday for his inflammatory speech that incited party workers to attack media outlets in Karachi on Monday.

IG Sindh AD Khawaja said on Tuesday that two cases had been filed against Altaf Hussain: one for treason for his anti-Pakistan speech to participants at a hunger strike camp organized by the MQM and the other for inciting party workers to violent protests.