ISLAMABAD: A day after the interior ministry sent a reference against the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM)’s beleaguered founder Altaf Hussain to the United Kingdom authorities seeking action against him for inciting violence in Pakistan, British High Commissioner in Pakistan Thomas Drew called on the interior minister on Wednesday.

Informed sources told Dawn that the provocative speech of Altaf Hussain inciting workers of his party to attack some media houses came under discussion during the meeting.

Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan stressed the need for finding out a legal solution to the problem keeping in view the Pakistan-UK relations.

Altaf Hussain’s speech of inciting party workers to attack media houses was discussed

The British diplomat assured the minister that the matter would be resolved in accordance with the legal demands. He said the British police were investigating the matter and added that the reference sent by Islamabad along with evidence would be handed over to the police to facilitate them in the investigation.

The reference says that Altaf Hussain has violated British and international laws and, therefore, action should be initiated against him under the British law. It seeks action against those inciting violence and spreading unrest in Pakistan.

Matters pertaining to bilateral relations and cooperation between the two countries in different areas were also discussed.

Meanwhile, the British high commissioner also called on Leader of Opposition in the National Assembly Syed Khurshid Shah. The issue of Altaf Hussain using British soil to incite violence in Pakistan figured in the meeting too.

Sources close to Mr Shah said Mr Drew confirmed that the reference against Altaf Hussain had been received by the UK authorities.

The opposition leader expressed the hope that the UK under the leadership of Prime Minister Theresa May would continue to play an important role across the globe. He said Pakistan attached great importance to its relations with the UK.

He urged the world community to take notice of crimes against humanity being committed by Indian occupation troops in held Kashmir. He asked the UK to play a role for implementation of the United Nations Security Council’s resolutions on Kashmir.

Published in Dawn, September 1st, 2016