Pakistan not to seek MQM founder’s extradition from Britain

ISLAMABAD: Federal government decided not to file reference against Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) founder in Britain after his provocative speech to party workers on August 22.

Sources in the interior ministry told Geo News on Monday that the British government would be provided evidence against MQM founder for provoking people to violence.

According to sources, the government will not ask British authorities for the extradition of MQM founder as it was not possible because there was no treaty between the two governments.

The British government would be asked to take legal action against MQM founder, sources in the ministry said.

According to sources, Sindh government has also provided the necessary documents to the interior ministry in this regard.

They said that Scotland Yard was also conducting its own investigation in this regard and was collecting evidence against MQM founder.

Sources said that services of a legal council would also be taken, if required.

They said the Interior Minister Chaudhary Nisar Ali Khan was in close contact with British authorities regarding the issue.

They further said that the interior ministry was pushing UK’s Home Department to take action against MQM founder as provoking people to violence was also against British laws.

Member of Parliament for Bradford West Naz Shah has also asked the UK authorities to consider proscribing the MQM as a terrorist organisation because of MQM founder’s incitement of violence, attacks on Pakistan’s armed forces and the state of Pakistan itself.

Naz Shah MP, who is member of the powerful Home Affairs Select Committee, has written to Sir Bernard Hogan Howe, the chief of Scotland Yard; Amber Rudd, the new Home Secretary who replaced Theresa May; and Keith Vaz, chair of the Home Affairs Select Committee.

In her letter to the Scotland Yard chief, Naz Shah MP asked him to explain why the police have failed to take action against MQM founder over his several speeches which incited violence in Pakistan.

Earlier today, a decision was taken to demolish 32 offices of the MQM located in different areas of the Karachi.

Geo News has obtained details of illegal MQM offices in the city. 

The offices of the party are constructed on land for schools, parks and water board.

On Thursday, the name of Mukka Chowk located in the MQM’s stronghold was changed to Shaheed-e-Milat Liaquat Ali Khan Chowk. 

Posters of the party’s founder were also removed in several areas of the city.