ISLAMABAD: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has sent a formal application to Interpol seeking issuance of a red warrant against founder of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Altaf Hussain.

According to the interior ministry, all legal requirements have been fulfilled keeping in view Interpol rules and regulations. This is the second such request made by the FIA.

In February this year the International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol) refused to issue a red warrant against Mr Hussain.

In response to an application which was sent by the FIA for issuing the warrant against Mr Hussain, Interpol replied that the nature of the case seemed political. It also demanded an explanation from FIA in this regard till March 13.

The MQM founder is wanted in Pakistan in different cases that include charges of terrorism and incitement to violence, among other offences.

The FIA had asked the interior ministry to issue red warrants against the MQM founder. The ministry granted the FIA the permission to write a letter to Interpol seeking a red warrant against Mr Hussain.

The approval for seeking issuance of a red warrant was issued following the orders of an antiterrorism court, which is hearing three identical cases against Mr Hussain pertaining to his Aug 22, 2016, anti-Pakistan speech.

The red warrant is an international notice sent to Interpol seeking arrest and extradition of an individual.

Published in Dawn, June 10th, 2017