By: Mohsin Soomro
KARACHI: Mustafa Kamal, former mayor of Karachi and senior leader of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), after surprise return to Pakistan, lashed out at the party leadership and its London-based supremo Altaf Hussain, creating waves in Karachi’s politics.
Addressing a crowded press conference in Karachi’s Defence area, Kamal severely criticised MQM leader Altaf Hussain and his policies.
Talking about target killings by MQM leadership, Kamal said:
“Altaf Sahab used words such as “thok dou” (kill them) for PTI workers and it became the Rabita Committee’s job to explain and justify his statements in front of the entire world,” said Kamal.
“We sacrificed for Altaf, did not distinguish between right and wrong, but Altaf does not care about his workers. Party workers deaths are used for point scoring only.”
Kamal said Hussain was often intoxicated while addressing workers, and that his state worsened over time.
“Altaf gathered his workers and was intoxicated, when he addressed his supporters at 90 after the PTI achieved success during the 2013 elections,” said Kamal.
Kamal said despite repeated requests, Altaf Hussain did not listen to advice by party leaders.
Kamal said Altaf was intoxicated when addressing the entire Rabita Committee. He added that people have sacrificed their lives and generations for Altaf Hussain, while we used to take responsibility of all his mistakes and actions.
Referring to joining the government, Kamal said: “Every time the MQM joined the government, its position deteriorated.”
Kamal went on to state, ” Referring to the many resignation presented by the MQM supremo, Kamal said the even the media doesn’t remember how many times Altaf Hussain has resigned as party chief.
Referring to the loyalty of the party’s supporters, Kamal said, “Ever since this party came into being, people have been losing their lives, we fought the establishment and the entire world just to save Altaf Hussain.”
“We tried our best to keep Altaf Hussain from being exposed. Initially, he used to be out of senses at night due to excessive drinking, but now he stays intoxicated for days and weeks,” stated Kamal while shedding light on current state of party affairs.
‘Indian setup’
“When I was leaving the party I knew my life would be in danger,” said Kamal, adding, “We knew we will be killed.”
He went on to say, “I knew I could not live in Pakistan. I knew Altaf’s Hussain’s boys of Indian and South African setup will be active.”
Talking about frequent allegations of Altaf’s links with the Indian intelligence agency (RAW), Kamal stated, “Everyone knows Altaf Hussain has links with RAW.”
“After Imran Farooq was murder in 2010, Scotland Yard found documents from his house, and started summoning MQM workers for interviews including Altaf Hussain, and he was grilled by British law enforcement for three consecutive days,” elaborated Kamal.
“They asked them (Altaf, Anwar, Tariq Mir) if they had links to India’s spy agency, which was refused initially, but the Scotland Yard produced documents after which the MQM leaders, including Altaf, confessed to getting support from RAW.”
Kamal was addressing the press conference with Anees Qaimkhani.
The announcement corroborates speculations that there was rift between Kamal and MQM supremo Altaf Hussain, a rumour that was earlier not confirmed by either the party or Kamal.
“MQM’s top hierarchy was called to Dubai and the incumbent interior minister (Rehman Malik) was also there. The leadership was briefed about what Scotland Yard had asked them and how they responded.”
“All senior MQM leaders know that MQM has been taking funds from RAW for 20 years,” Kamal said while elaborating further on the alleged links between MQM’s leader and RAW.
