Altaf Hussain and the Met

Unfounded, unnecessary reservations

Had any Pakistani agency been making inquiries into Imran Farooq’s murder Altaf Hussain’s worries would have been amply justified. It is too common for a government in power in the Islamic republic to order security agencies to cook up evidence to persecute political opponents. When the MQM leader settled on Britain as his future homeland, he knew this was the best choice. While Britain may have a number of other drawbacks, the rule of law practiced in the country makes the government and its officials and agents as well as individuals and private entities accountable. This explains why London has been considered the safest haven by asylum seekers that included Benazir Bhutto and Julian Assange. The investigation agencies in Britain are independent. They are not swayed by media reports or the opinions of those who force people to seek asylum abroad. Nasirullah Babar who conducted a ruthless police operation against the MQM related extremists in Karachi could not lay hands on Altaf Hussain as he enjoyed the protection of the British law. Over a decade later Imran Khan and Zulfiqar Mirza traveled to London carrying briefcases full of what they called evidence to get inquiries initiated against the MQM chief but failed to persuade the British authorities to act. They had enough to offer in the form of opinion and hearsay but had no solid proof that could be used to prosecute the MQM leader.

The legendary Scotland Yard, also known as the Met, has developed a worldwide reputation as a highly professional and efficient investigating body since 1829 when it was founded. It employs state of the art gadgetry to gather information and a sophisticated mechanism to analyze it. Keeping in view Britain’s strong defamation laws, none including the Met can get away with falsely accusing anyone. There is presently no mention of the MQM leader in any statement issued by the British Police.

The Met has worked hard to find Imran Farooq’s murderers since 16 September 2010. All that it has so far concluded is that the attack would have required careful planning and help from other people, some of whom may have provided assistance or information unwittingly. The Police has offered a reward of £20,000 for information that helps lead to a prosecution. On Thursday it raided two houses in London which were searched for over 55 hours. The organization cannot afford to accuse anyone unjustly and thus sully a reputation earned over a period of nearly two centuries. Altaf Hussain’s reservations under the circumstances are unjustified. His faith in the United Kingdom’s system of justice had led him to seek British citizenship. He should have confidence that he would be treated fairly, but strictly in accordance with the law.