PESHAWAR: A joint resolution was passed in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly on Monday, requesting the federal government to move against Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain under Article 6 of the Constitution for his anti-state remarks during a telephonic address to workers a few days ago.

The KP Assembly demanded the federal government take notice of Hussain’s statements against sensitive state institutions and the armed forces.

The resolution also said that Altaf Hussain in his speech requested India's spy agency for help, which amounts to treason.

The joint resolution said Altaf Hussain had insulted the nation and his speech was equivalent to inciting people against the state.

He encouraged people to receive training and fight against the state, and asked the Indian spy agency Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) for help against the state, said the assembly.

The resolution also said if appropriate action is not taken against these remarks, Pakistan's sovereignty and federation will remain under threat.

Article 6: High treason

1. Any person who abrogates or subverts or suspends or holds in abeyance, or attempts or conspires to abrogate or subvert or suspend or hold in abeyance, the Constitution by use of force or show of force or by any other unconstitutional means shall be guilty of high treason.
2. Any person aiding or abetting or collaborating the acts mentioned in clause (1) shall likewise be guilty of high treason. 2(A). An act of high treason mentioned in clause (1) or clause (2) shall not be validated by any court including the Supreme Court and a High Court.
3. Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament) shall by law provide for the punishment of persons found guilty of high treason.

Director-General Inter-Services Public Relations Major-General Asim Bajwa condemned Altaf's statements regarding the Pakistan Army, calling them "uncalled for" and "disgusting", and said the matter would be legally pursued.

Read more: Altaf's remarks on army to be legally pursued: ISPR

However, just hours after a strong response by the army against his speech, Altaf apologised to “national security institutions” and “all patriots” for his remarks about the 1971 war and the call to India’s intelligence agency for help, and made it clear that remarks seeking assistance from India’s RAW had just been made “satirically”.

Read more: Altaf apologises for remarks about army

The Balochistan Assembly also adopted a unanimous resolution condemning Altaf's remarks which was signed by all political parties on the treasury and opposition benches last week.

Read more: BA adopts resolution against Altaf's speech criticising army