Altaf’s role will remain as Quaid-e-Tehreek: Sattar

KARACHI: MQM leader Farooq Sattar has said that he along with opposition leader in Sindh Khawaja Izhar will pick up from where they left off with Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah.

Talking exclusively to Geo News, he said, “We have felt that we were facing several issues in decision-making and the core issue was that Quaid-e-Tehreek's health.”

When asked by our reporter that he called Altaf Hussain Quad-e-Tehreek, Sattar said: "See, I called him Quaid-e-Tehreek because this entire movement was started by him and in the constitution, his role will remain as the founder, but decisions will not be taken in London but in Pakistan.”

Sattar said the confusion surrounding the issues has ended after the statement of MQM chief.

He further said that his team would soon meet CM Sindh. Similarly, they were also in contact with the federal government.

Earlier, speaking to media at the old KMC building where the mayoral elections took place, he said those sitting in London had accepted decisions made in Pakistan.

“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.

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, organising 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.