MQM’s tantrums

Politics of blackmail and violence must end

The investigation into the murder of Imran Farooq poses a test for the PML-N government. It is up to Nawaz Sharif now to put an end to the politics of blackmail and violence for good or allow it to continue in days to come. The Scotland Yard believes the two persons involved in the murder of Imran Farooq, a Pakistani citizen, are in custody somewhere in Pakistan. It is in the interest of the people of Pakistan to provide full support to the ongoing enquiry. The Scotland Yard is known for its professionalism and independence. The British courts are free. Islamabad should facilitate the British police to complete the crucial probe.

Great Britain has hosted Altaf Hussain since 1992. Pleased with the treatment meted to him, Altaf applied for citizenship which was granted to him by bending the rules – which happens only in extra special cases in Britain. Disclosures under the Freedom of Information Act reveal this could have been on account of Altaf’s letter written two weeks after 9/11 volunteering to organise human intelligence on the Taliban and set up a network of fake aid workers in Afghanistan to backup Western intelligence gathering efforts there. He also volunteered to bring hundreds of thousands of people on the streets of Karachi denouncing terrorism. More unusual concessions followed as reward for cooperation with the British intelligence. London looked the other way as Altaf delivered fiery speeches spewing hatred and swearing vengeance against political rivals which Pakistani TV channels were force to relay. Successive Pakistani leaders – from Benazir Bhutto to Imran Khan – pressed upon British administrations to hinder Altaf but this continued till the MQM chief crossed a well-defined red line in Britain.

The murder of Imran Farooq in London led to police raids which turned up £150,000 at the party’s Edgware’s offices and £250,000 at Hussain’s house in Mill Hill. This initiated probes into possible money laundering. The investigation led MQM to throw tantrums. There were statements like, “The international powers have sprung into action to undermine MQM”; “Many world powers including these two superpowers tried their best but could not wipe out MQM”. Altaf said, British police had made his life miserable. “The British police can take my life or confiscate my passport, but I will never bow before them.” Now we are being told Altaf’s life is in ‘serious danger’.

The cases of money laundering and murder are being pursued in the country chosen by Altaf Husain himself as his second home. It is for the MQM to defend Altaf Hussain in Britain. Pakistan being a responsible member of the international community is supposed to offer whatever assistance it can in the probe of an international crime. If the murders have taken shelter in Pakistan, they should be apprehended and treated in accordance will law. The MQM should meanwhile be told that the government will not allow it to create any disturbance in Karachi.