Whatever reasons may be, MQM chief Altaf Hussain ignored the allegations of Dr Zulfiqar Mirza, but he (Altaf) softly targeted the government and establishment in his video press conference.
Throughout his press conference, Altaf did not talk about the most damaging allegation of Dr Mirza about the MQM-US connivance of dismembering Pakistan and creating a wave of bloodshed in Karachi, the financial backbone of the country.
Many people were expecting that Altaf Hussain would give a befitting response to the serious allegation leveled by Dr Mirza against MQM. But MQM chief completely disappointed the people in this regard as his focus was the judiciary, army, ISI, President Asif Zardari and Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gillani.
MQM chief mentioned about the breach of promises and agreements by the PPP government which the ruling party made with its estranged coalition partner.
Altaf Hussain also made it clear that holy Quran is for reading and learning and not for keeping in hands or on the heads.
In other words he did not take the opportunity to say everything on oath of Quran that is traditionally considered a holy evidence in case the individuals or documents are not available support a case of dispute between the disputed parties or groups. Dr Zulfiqar Mirza wisely used the sacred evidence of holy Quran, knowingly that it would appeal the people and that his words and statements would be taken very seriously. MQM leader also sent a message for the Supreme Court Chief Justice, requesting him to watch the videos of cruelties committed against some of the supporters of MQM and their gruesome killings as well.
Altaf expressed the fear of some serious action against his party by the judiciary or by the establishment. There is a talk of the town in Karachi and in other parts of the country that that MQM could be banned for his alleged involvement in bloodshed and anti-state activities.
Altaf also urged the Army Chief, ISI chief, President of Pakistan and Prime Minister to watch horrible videos of torture on MQM people by the Liyari group.
He also held responsible three parties (although he did not name any) for running thunder squads in the city to get control over Karachi.
MQM chief also claimed that PML(N) possesses modern weapons in Sindh, but the political analysts and media observers dispelled this impression saying that PML(N) even does not have any vote bank in the city and how this party could amass weapons and for what purposes. MQM leader also blamed Jamaat-e-Islamic and MQM-Haqiqi (rival faction of MQM) for bloodshed on May 12 and that too did not impress the listeners of the conference.
For the analysts and observers the video press conference of Altaf Hussain was not as much startling and shocking as it was being anticipated by the opinion makers in the country.
The people also did not believe in the claim of Altaf in which he said that his party did not place containers on city roads on the day of arrival of CJP in Karachi on May 12, when the mega city of Pakistan witnessed gory bloodshed, bloody attacks and violence throughout the day. Political observers feel that MQM chief must have strongly denied the allegation of his party’s connivance with the US to dismember Pakistan.
The people, however, appreciated the stance of Altaf Hussain of supporting government in ending extortion of money, restoring peace in Karachi and maintaining political harmony. The actions of MQM chief in his briefing also point out that Altaf was not feeling well and his health was not as good as was seen in his previous telephonic addresses.
Altaf appeared totally upset about unanimity in government, army and ISI over carrying an indiscriminate operation in Karachi that had led to the arrest of scores of MQM activists, believed to be involved in violence and bloodshed.
