Security forces have cracked down on the most powerful political party in the financial hub of Karachi after its leader Altaf Hussain described Pakistan as a “cancer for the entire world”, officials said on Tuesday.
Several top leaders of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) were detained on Monday night and the party’s headquarters was sealed after party workers who were reportedly incited by a speech by London-based Hussain attacked a TV news channel, killing at least one person and injuring several more.
The trouble began shortly after Hussain addressed MQM workers protesting outside Karachi Press Club against “enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings” of the party’s supporters. According to reports in the Pakistani media, Hussain shouted slogans against Pakistan and described the country as “a cancer for the entire world” during his address over phone.
“Pakistan is a cancer for the entire world,” Hussain was quoted as saying. “Pakistan is a headache for the entire world. Pakistan is the epicentre of terrorism for the entire world. Who says long live Pakistan…it’s down with Pakistan.”
He then asked the MQM workers whether they “moving” to the offices of ARY and Samaa news channels. Soon after, suspected MQM workers attacked the ARY office, triggering clashes between a mob and police that left one person dead and several more wounded.
According to media reports, Hussain also asked MQM workers to “refresh” themselves for locking down the government building of Sindh province, of which Karachi is the capital.
Authorities accused Hussain of inciting violence and a treason case was filed against him for shouting anti-state slogans and delivering an inflammatory speech, state-run Radio Pakistan reported. A case of arson and attacks was filed against MQM workers.
Hussain, who is facing charges of money laundering in Britain, apologised to Pakistan Army chief Gen Raheel Sharif and Pakistan Rangers chief Maj Gen Bilal Akber for his speech.
“From the depth of heart, I beg pardon from my remarks against Pakistan, the establishment including Gen Raheel Sharif and DG Rangers,” he said in a statement posted on Twitter by an MQM spokesman.
“I was under severe mental stress over extra-judicial arrests and precarious condition of my workers sitting at the hunger strike camp,” Hussain added. “Being a Pakistani, I assure the Pakistani people, establishment, army, ISI, all higher authorities and leaders that I will never use such words again.”
Sourced from hindustantimes.com, Featured image courtesy: www.dailymotion.com
