ISLAMABAD: Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain on Tuesday apologised for remarks he had made against Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) women including Shireen Mazari.
"I apologise to all the women who were offended by my remarks," the MQM leader stated.
"I even apologise to Shireen Mazari..I am sorry," Altaf Hussain said.
According to a statement, Shireen Mazari has said that the MQM chief's apology was "a good thing".
Earlier today, PTI Chairman Imran Khan said that he would not tolerate derogatory words and remarks used by MQM chief Altaf Hussain against PTI women.
Over the weekend, Altaf had lashed out at the PTI while addressing his supporters via telephone. The MQM chief had reportedly used derogatory terms while describing one female PTI leader, and alleged that the PTI's container protest in Islamabad had been the site of nefarious activities.
"It is upsetting that the Pakistan Media Electronic Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) only wakes up when something is said about the government," said Khan, while holding a press conference in Islamabad.
Khan went on to say that Altaf Hussain, who has been living in London for 23 years, has a long-distance love affair with Karachi where he threatens business owners.
"People are afraid that he will get them killed, that he has hit-squads," Khan alleged.
Take a look: Imran vows to take Altaf Hussain to court, again
The MQM also moved to escalate the war of words between the two parties today.
Following the completion of the Sindh Assembly session, MQM representative Izharul Hassan and others submitted a motion to the assembly's secretary which condemned Imran's statements against their party supremo.
The motion stated that Imran Khan made unethical statements about Altaf Hussain which the party strongly condemned. It also requested that in the next session of the Sindh Assembly, the issue must be added to the agenda and discussed further.
MQM representatives also said that Imran Khan's remarks against their leader had hurt their sentiments. The party is holding rallies in parts of Karachi today to show their support for the MQM chief.
Know more: MQM to hold rally in Karachi today
“We will remain peaceful and not respond to hate with hate as per the teachings of our leader,” MQM leader Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui had said in his address to workers who gathered at the party’s Nine Zero headquarters on Monday night.
The MQM chief is also expected to hold a telephonic address today.
Meanwhile, the PTI has written an official letter to the British High Commissioner registering a complaint against the MQM leader.
The letter addressed to Phillip Barton levels accusations against Altaf Hussain and calls upon the British government to take action against him.
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At the same time, the MQM have also registered a complaint against Imran Khan in a letter to the US Ambassador Richard Olson.
The letter, written by MQM leader Babar Ghauri calls upon the implementation of a Los Angeles court decision regarding Sita White.
