The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) released a statement on Wednesday rubbishing rumours about party chief Altaf Hussain’s ill health.
“Rumours circulating about the leader’s health are part of a conspiracy and script to spread despair and spread panic among workers and the public,” said the statement.
“[Altaf] is perfectly fine and busy with personal and party matters and is in regular contact with the Rabita Committee, zones, and party departments,” the statement quoted Rabita Committee convener Nadeem Nusrat as saying.
Another London-based MQM spokesperson said Hussain is “fine and fresh” and that the reports are part of a “drama”.
Rumours about the MQM chief’s ill health made the rounds on social media and Whatsapp groups as former Karachi mayor, Mustafa Kamal, returned from self-imposed exile this week with Anees Qaimkhani to form a new, yet-unnamed party, inviting MQM members to defect.