Former Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Leader Saleem Shahzad on Saturday announced that he would soon create a new political party "free of china-cutters and target killers" in the run-up to the next General Election.

In an informal talk with the media outside Karachi's City Court, Shahzad said he would discuss his party's strategy at a public gathering in Orangi Town on December 16.

When asked why he chose Orangi Town for his rally, Shahzad said that he twice been elected MNA from the constituency, and that he would like to ask the people of this area if he had ever failed them or committed any crimes.

"I will contest the election from Orangi Town myself and field my candidates from there, and other constituencies," Shahzad said during his talk.

He added: "The doors of my party will be open for all but there is no space for dry cleaners in there, we only want to bring educated people to the fore."

Arrest warrants were issued for Shahzad in 2016 for the 10th time by an Anti-Terrorism Court in Karachi in a case related to providing treatment and shelter to alleged terrorists.

The founding member of MQM-London was arrested on February 6 upon his return to Pakistan after 24 years away from the country. He was released from jail and allowed to go abroad for medical treatment on June 14.