London has accepted decisions taken by MQM in Pakistan: Farooq Sattar

KARACHI: Muttahida Qaumi Movement leaders Farooq Sattar and Khawaja Izhar ul Hasan on Wednesday said those sitting in London had accepted decisions made in Pakistan.

The two leaders were speaking to media at the old KMC building where the mayoral elections are taking place. “MQM is working for politics in Pakistan. All of its decision will be made in Pakistan,” Farooq Sattar said.

He was referring to a recent statement issued by the MQM founder Altaf Hussain where he handed over all powers to run the party to the Rabita Committee.

MQM leader Khawaja Izhar agreed to Farooq Sattar. “It is clear that all important decision related to the party will be taken in Pakistan,” Izhar said.

“Exactly how MQM offices were sealed they will be unsealed. All allegations on Waseem Akhtar are baseless,” Izhar said. “We call for transparent investigation into the issue so that Waseem Akhtar can serve the city as soon as possible.”

The MQM nominated mayor has been accused by police in a challan presented in an Anti-terrorism court today of being involved in the May 12, 2007 massacre where over 40 people were killed in Karachi. He is currently in jail.

In a statement issued by the party on its website on Wednesday the MQM supremo accepted the decision announced by Farooq Sattar in a press conference held at the Karachi Press Club yesterday. Sattar accompanied by several senior leaders said that due to mental stress that Altaf Hussain faces, the party decisions will be taken by Rabita Committee in Pakistan.

“I respect the decision MQM leaders have taken in their press conference. As founder of the party I hand over powers to makes decisions and, organizing the party to the Rabita Committee,” the statement said, BBC Urdu reported.

The statement adds that the MQM chief will pay attention to his health as directed by the Rabita Committee.

The party's website is blocked in Pakistan.

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

The announcement followed a crackdown by the Sindh Rangers on MQM leaders and offices after party workers stormed media offices on the directives of party chief Altaf Hussain, who lives in self-exile in London. At least one person was killed in the violence that ensued after the provocative speech.