- MQM to register cases against Khan as Hussain booked in more than 100 cases across country
- MQM spokesman criticises alleged bias against Hussain over his ‘inflammatory speeches against the army’
As the process to register cases against Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain’s “outburst against security agencies and national security” continues across the country, the MQM has decided to target Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan over his statements allegedly against the establishment.
More than 100 cases have been registered against MQM chief Hussain across the country, including Islamabad and Azad Kashmir, over his “inflammatory speeches”.
The MQM chief has been booked in four cases in Islamabad, two in Lahore, five in Faisalabad, nine in Gujranwala and three in Rahim Yar Khan whereas an individual named Riaz lodged an FIR against Hussain in Rawalpindi’s RA Bazzar Police Station.
Besides, cases have also been filed in nine police stations of Sargodha, four in Bhakkar, five in Mianwali, Johar Abad and Muzaffargarh, one each in Multan, Quetta and Gawalmandi’s police station, three in Sahiwal and Attock with several cases in Sheikhupura, Chiniot, Gojra, Okara and Jehlum.
Four of the cases have been registered in Loralai, Chaman, Harnai and Pashin along with one case each in Azad Kashmir’s Bagh, Mirpur, Rawalkot, Forward Kahota and Palandri region.
Separately, three cases were also lodged in Gilgit, Skardu, Ganchay whereas three alone were filed in Malakand and one case each was registered in Hangu, Kohat, Kark and Abbottabad.
In Sindh province, Hussain was booked in three cases in Jacobabad and Shikarpur, two each in Larkana, Ghotki, Mirpur Khas, Khairpur Miras and one each in Thatta, Rohri, Tandu Allah Yar, Tharparkar, Matiari and Hyderabad.
Moreover, Gadap City police on Wednesday lodged an FIR against MQM chief and other party leaders on charges of ‘hate speech’ against the armed forces. “Police have registered FIR 84/2015 on complaint of Abdul Aziz Gabol against Altaf Hussain and 25 others,” said Gadap City SHO Khan Nawaz. He said that the case has been registered under Sections 120, 121, 122, 123, 123-A, 109 and 25 of the Pakistan Penal Code.
Furthermore in Karachi, petition has been submitted in Darakhshan Police Station against Hussain in which the petitioner has adopted the stance that MQM chief’s speech was directed against Pakistan Army therefore he should be punished severely according to the law.
MQM TAKES KHAN’S STATEMENTS TO LAW:
In the meanwhile, MQM decided on Wednesday to register cases against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)’s Imran Khan for his anti-military statements.
MQM has started the process of registering FIRs against the PTI chief at various police stations across the country, including Ferozeabad police station in Karachi.
A party leader, Ali Raza Abidi, told reporters that workers and leaders were also directed to register cases against Defence Minister Khawaja Asif.
MQM’s spokesperson Wasay Jalil said FIRs were going to be registered against Khan for his anti-army remarks, which is the basis of the case.
“Why is it that when others give statements it is okay with everyone but when Altaf Hussain says something, cases are registered against him,” questioned the party spokesperson. “The law should be equal for everyone regardless of the party they belong to,” he added.
PTI’S TIRADE AGAINST MQM:
Earlier on Tuesday, PTI had joined the bandwagon of leaders condemning the MQM chief for his alleged remarks against security forces and urged the British authorities to take action against him.
In an open letter submitted to British High Commissioner to Pakistan Philip Barton, PTI Karachi President Ali Zaidi had said the MQM chief’s ‘provocative and hateful’ speeches have hurt the sentiments of Pakistanis.
“We strongly demand that the British government take immediate action to stop these hate speeches by Altaf Hussain and criminal proceedings against him should be initiated,” the letter stated.
The MQM chief has been under fire after he had cast doubts on Sunday on the efficacy of the Rangers operation in Karachi likening the conduct of the paramilitary force with how the Indian army treats people in the disputed Kashmir territory. Addressing his party’s lawmakers and workers on Sunday, MQM chief had blamed Rangers for mistreatment of its workers.