KARACHI: Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain has declared that from now on he will not talk about quitting the party leadership and will continue to lead the MQM come what may.

According to a press release issued on Saturday, he was speaking from London at a programme held in the United States to celebrate the MQM’s victory in a recent by-election in Karachi. Mr Hussain said he would not leave his party even if its office-bearers showed inefficiency and negligence.

Referring to his Thursday night’s speech in which he made controversial remarks, he said that on the basis of his one speech a wave of propaganda had been launched and people were talking about registering a case against him under Article 6 of the Constitution.

Read: Altaf takes back decision to resign as MQM chief

He said various political leaders also gave negative remarks against the army and the country but no action had been taken against them.

However, he added, in his case television channels had been asked to ban his speeches.

The MQM leader said he had apologised to all the institutions concerned and the people but he was being targeted.

Mr Hussain said his relations with his supporters would not be affected if a case was registered or even if the MQM was declared a banned organisation.

Also read: Altaf's remarks on army to be legally pursued: ISPR

He said that despite all `suppressions’ and`discrimination’, the morale of the MQM’s workers and supporters could not be brought down.

Published in Dawn, May 3rd, 2015

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