KARACHI: The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Monday ruled out claims made by the London Metropolitan Police regarding the murder investigation of slain MQM leader Dr Imran Farooq in which it was asserted he was seeking an independent political career, DawnNews reported.

British detectives earlier on Monday said the fact that Dr Farooq was about to launch an independent political career before his murder remains a key line of inquiry in the probe.

The former Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) leader was stabbed to death on September 16, 2010 outside his residence in London’s Green Lane, Edgware while he was on his way home from work.

The Met Police said their Counter Terrorism Command unit has so far spoken to 4,076 people, reviewed 6,350 documents and followed up 2,114 lines of inquiry in order to bring the killers of Dr Imran Farooq to justice, said a statement.

“This remains an ongoing investigation with a number of lines of inquiry being actively pursued. It is thought that his murder would have required careful planning and help from other people, some of whom may have provided assistance or information unwittingly.”

“Police know that in July 2010, Dr Farooq set up a Facebook profile and amassed a large number of contacts through this social network. However, we retain an open mind as to his murder,” it added.

Speaking to media representatives at MQM headquarters “Nine-Zero” in Karachi, Deputy Convener of the party’s Rabita Committee Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui and senior leader Haider Abbas Rizvi said anyone who doubts allegiance of Dr Farooq with the party should investigate it further.

Ruling out claims of the Met Police, both the leaders said the thought that Imran Farooq was seeking to form a new political party was simply unimaginable. “We can’t even think that Dr Imran Farooq was forming a new party.”

Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, who is also a member of the National Assembly, said the party will not create hurdles in the ongoing murder probe by any investigating agency.

“Conspiracies are being hatched to link MQM with the murder of Dr Imran Farooq,” said Haider Abbas Rizvi, who is a senior member of the Rabita Committee.

The MQM leaders said Dr Farooq was a symbol of the party’s struggle and those who consider him an enemy were adversaries of the ‘movement.’

Dr Farooq’s father, who was present on the occasion, said he did not name anyone in suspicion of his son’s killing when he was inquired by Scotland Yard.

On June 24, police had arrested a 52-year-old man on suspicion of conspiracy to murder at Heathrow after landing at the airport on a flight from Canada. However, he was later released under bail at a date later in September.

The Met Police has also repeated their appeal seeking information leading to the identification, arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the murder. A reward of 20,000 pound sterling for any such lead also still stands.