MQM says next 15 days crucial, asks masses to be vigilant

Muttahida Qaumi Movement’s Central Coordination Committee on Wednesday made a “passionate appeal to Pakistanis to remain vigilant and keep their eyes and minds open over the next 15 days, as the coming days are extremely crucial”.

The Rabita Committee statement advised citizens to stockpile medication for children, the elderly, and for those with diabetes and psychiatric concerns owing to ‘frequent earthquakes and an unstable political environment in the country’.

The statement also calls for stocking up on matches, batteries, candles, oil, wood, and coal for the next 15 days, and to fill up fuel tanks.

On Tuesday, MQM had said that the London Metropolitan Police have party chief Altaf Hussain’s passport.

Altaf’s passport was seized by British authorities during their investigation of a money laundering case in which the MQM leader was a suspect.

After bail conditions against Altaf were removed due to insufficient evidence earlier this month, the restrictions on his movement were also lifted, the statement says.

Following the Rangers raid on MQM headquarters Nine Zero in March 2015, Altaf in an interview expressed a desire to return to Pakistan for the sake of his party.

He said he was unable to do so at the time, as his passport was in possession of British authorities. He added that he would visit Pakistan as soon as his passport was returned.

It is however unlikely Altaf would attempt such a trip, given the existing political scenario, especially in Karachi.

The MQM chief has been in self-exile in London since 1992. He has controlled MQM operations in Karachi sitting in the United Kingdom for nearly 24 years now.

After Altaf Hussain allegedly spoke against state institutions, including the army and Rangers, following the Nine Zero raid, the Lahore High Court ordered the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority to ban the broadcast of his speeches and images.