Rashid asks Altaf Hussain to watch his words, demands apology

Published July 15, 2015
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Senator Pervez Rashid. — APP
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Senator Pervez Rashid. — APP

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage Senator Pervez Rashid on Tuesday said Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain should avoid delivering extempore speeches and arrange the services of a “sane person” to write his speeches.

Talking to media personnel after presiding over a literary reference in memory of legendary novelist Abdullah Hussain, Rashid said the MQM chief never used profane language for British authorities even though they had involved him in multiple investigations.

“For using abusive language against state institutions, Altaf should tender an apology and admit that his Sunday's speech was written by Anwer Bhai — a man with an unstable mental condition,” said Rashid.

The information minister said Altaf had crossed all limits during his speech on Sunday. “He must not blame security institutions or Rangers for his current woes in London.”

Rashid said “murder and money laundering cases have not been registered by Rangers or national security institutions.”

“Altaf should avoid using inappropriate language against his own country and institutions”.

MQM protest

MQM leader Farooq Sattar on Tuesday strongly condemned Federal Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan for his statements against MQM chief Altaf Hussain a day ago.

Know more: Nisar slams Altaf for 'intolerable' remarks against security forces.

Addressing a protest rally outside the Karachi Press Club, Sattar said for 37 years some elements had been trying to distance Altaf Hussain from his followers.

He said the first information reports (FIRs) lodged against Altaf Hussain were unlawful.

“MQM has always supported the Karachi operation and backed elimination of terrorism from the country. But the operation should only target criminal elements.”

After MQM’s protest rally outside Press Club, local media reported that Rangers’ personnel stopped Farooq Sattar’s vehicle for a few minutes as he left the premises. However, Sattar was let go after nominal checking.

Meanwhile reports of multiple FIRs against Altaf Hussain came pouring in throughout the day for his “instigating remarks against the army and sensitive institutions.”

Take a look: FIRs lodged against Altaf Hussain across Sindh.

An FIR was also registered against Farooq Sattar on Tuesday at the Golra Police Station in Islamabad for committing sedition and making statements against security institutions.

Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf also held protest demonstrations across the country to condemn Altaf Hussain’s remarks. The party has also written to British High Commissioner Philip Barton, requesting criminal action against London-based Altaf Hussain for inciting violence and hate through his speeches.

A copy of PTI's letter to Philip Barton. – PTI Media Cell
A copy of PTI's letter to Philip Barton. – PTI Media Cell

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