KARACHI, Jan 5: Muttahida Quami Movement chief Altaf Hussain on Friday night changed his mind about renouncing the leadership of his party when thousands of stunned workers flocked to the party headquarters and pleaded with him to reverse his decision.

Earlier, Mr Hussain expressed his inability to continue to lead the party and lashed out at those of his party leaders who he said had adopted a feudal mentality and were trying to change the course and philosophy of the movement.

In an emotionally charged speech, which was in progress when this report was filed, Mr Hussain criticised those party leaders who were seen being driven around in flashy rented cars while ordinary activists followed rigorous discipline and worked tirelessly for the party.

Without naming the party leaders who seem to have earned his anger, Mr Hussain said his health did not permit him to lead the party that he had served for the past 30 years. He recalled that he never allowed a personal wish to stand in the way of service to the party.

As thousands of MQM workers chanted slogans of allegiance to Mr Hussain, he said he was deeply pained by the conduct of some party leaders.

Recalling how many sincere activists laid down their lives while strengthening the party, he said leaders who had forgotten his teachings had adopted a feudal lifestyle.

The MQM information wing confirmed the reversal of decision by Mr Hussain.