UK gives Pakistan access to Altaf Hussain

Published June 5, 2014
Images from recent protests in Karachi - MQM.org
Images from recent protests in Karachi - MQM.org

ISLAMABAD/KARACHI/LONDON: The British government has allowed the Pakistani High Commission in London access to Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain, DawnNews reported.

Imran Mirza, the acting Pakistani high commissioner to the UK, met with Hussain at the hospital where the latter had been admitted for treatment.

Mirza said Hussain was in high spirits, adding that the MQM chief thanked the prime minister and the Pakistani public for support.

He said the police will question Hussain after he is discharged from the hospital.

Earlier, Hussain was issued the National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (Nicop) as well as a Pakistani passport, Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid told reporters in Islamabad.

Also previously, DawnNews had quoted British officials as saying that Pakistani government representatives would not be given access to Hussain as he was a British citizen.

The Scotland Yard had also said that Hussain was being treated at a hospital under police custody.


Also read: London police to allow Altaf three visitors


Moreover, police had concluded the search of Hussain’s house which had been going on since Tuesday 5:30 am.

The MQM Rabita Committee had said on June 3 that Hussain had been taken by the police for questioning and was later moved to a local hospital.


Protests to continue until assurances given on Altaf Hussain's health: Sattar


Speaking to media representatives on Thursday, MQM leader Farooq Sattar said the party would continue its protests until chief Hussain’s health was assured.

He, however, said the situation in the metropolis had returned to normal and that they had appealed to the business community to resume operations.

Sattar said Hussain had been admitted to a hospital in London.

He also said lawyers representing the MQM chief would first review the situation before filing a bail application, adding that they were in contact with police and Hussain.

He said people in various cities of Pakistan had shown solidarity with the MQM chief and added that the protest had proved Karachi was a peaceful city.

“We are worried for our leader’s health and safety,” Sattar added.

Opinion

Editorial

Judiciary’s SOS
Updated 28 Mar, 2024

Judiciary’s SOS

The ball is now in CJP Isa’s court, and he will feel pressure to take action.
Data protection
28 Mar, 2024

Data protection

WHAT do we want? Data protection laws. When do we want them? Immediately. Without delay, if we are to prevent ...
Selling humans
28 Mar, 2024

Selling humans

HUMAN traders feed off economic distress; they peddle promises of a better life to the impoverished who, mired in...
New terror wave
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

New terror wave

The time has come for decisive government action against militancy.
Development costs
27 Mar, 2024

Development costs

A HEFTY escalation of 30pc in the cost of ongoing federal development schemes is one of the many decisions where the...
Aitchison controversy
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

Aitchison controversy

It is hoped that higher authorities realise that politics and nepotism have no place in schools.