KARACHI, Aug 13: London-based chief of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement, Mr Altaf Hussain, in a surprise development has lashed out at the “vested interests” within his party and threatened to leave the pivotal role.

Mr Hussain was addressing the MQM’s coordination committee members, elected representatives and other activists at Azizabad on Tuesday.

He expressed contempt for the those within the rank and file of the party “who have deviated from the ideological path”.

“I am not prepared to lead the party if self-centred elements push their own personal agenda instead of pursuing the party’s ideology and addressing problems of workers.”

Meanwhile, Nasreen Jaleel, deputy convener of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement’s coordination committee, has been suspended from the post for a week on charges of violating party discipline.

According to a MQM press release, workers have been advised not to maintain any contact wit her during suspension for violating the organizational discipline of the party.

In the light of Mr Hussain’s address, suspension of Mrs Nasreen Jaleel, has assumed significance.