ATC issues non-bailable arrest warrants for MQM founder, Farooq Sattar

KARACHI: An anti-terrorism court heard the case of facilitation in the incendiary speech by Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) founder on Saturday.

The court extended the interim bail for MQM Pakistan leaders Khawaja Izhar, Rauf Siddiqui and others till May 20, while non-bailable warrants for the MQM founder, Farooq Sattar, and others were issued.

The cases against MQM leaders were registered after the violent incidents that took place, during and after a telephonic speech, by the MQM founder on August 22 last year.

MQM workers were staging a hunger strike outside Karachi Press Club when the MQM founder addressed them, made anti-state remarks, and urged party workers to attack media over what he claimed was less coverage to him.

Soon after, the party split into two factions -- MQM-Pakistan headed by Farooq Sattar and MQM-London led by Nadeem Nusrat.