The Muttahida Qaumi Movement’s (MQM) nominated mayor Waseem Akhtar stated in court on Thursday that he would not run away if allowed to go abroad, since his family is in Karachi.
A local court was conducting a hearing regarding the petition to stop MQM’s nominated mayor Akhtar from traveling abroad. Akhtar’s lawyer stated that his client is the nominated mayor and would run Karachi even from the jail.
The legal representative of the Rangers stated that Akhtar had earlier been allowed to travel abroad for his medical check-up. However, this time around he has not specified the reason for going abroad, said the Rangers’ lawyer.
The Rangers lawyer also stated that a decision is about to be taken on Akhtar’s temporary bail.
“If Akhtar travels outside the country, he will not return,” said the Rangers’ lawyer. Akhtar retorted by stating that he is the nominated mayor and elected Union Council chairman.
“I respect the courts. My family is here, I will not run away,” said Akhtar.
Akhtar’s lawyer told the court that Rangers’ power to detain a particular person for 90 days also does not exist anymore.
Akhtar’s lawyer said, “If Akhtar wanted to run, why would he come and seek permission from the court? Akhtar has arrived here; he does not want to run away.”
Upon Akhtar’s guarantee of returning back to Karachi, the court discharged the petition.
