Founder of formerly known Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), Altaf Hussain has reportedly been arrested from his London address. A statement from London’s Metropolitan Police was issued this morning that did not name the person under arrest but stated the same address and political party. He was charged under PACE [Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984] and taken to a south London police station reportedly. The statement issued by London Met Police says,
“A man has today, Tuesday, 11 June, been arrested in connection with an investigation into a number of speeches made by an individual associated with the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) in Pakistan.”
The London MetPolice further stated,
“The man, who is aged in his 60s, was arrested at an address in northwest London. He was arrested on suspicion of intentionally encouraging or assisting offenses contrary to Section 44 of the Serious Crime Act 2007.”
Since the announcement, the Karachi police has been actively patrolling the city to encounter any possible riots. Police Chief Dr. Amir Ahmed Sheikh is personally directing instructions to all SSPs and DIGs to maintain the city’s peace. It was also reported that authorities from both countries are in contact with and cooperation for investigations.
Hussain has been in exile since the early 1990s when Benazir Bhutto’s Government conducted an operation in Karachi. Known as the man who controlled Karachi from London, Hussain was accused of using violent means to maintain his political influence.
He was charged for hate speech in 2013, for which he later apologized, quoting his depression and poor health responsible for bashing Pakistan. MQM workers and party followers had also attacked the ARY News office after the speech and the rangers arrested several MQM leaders overnight. Within 24 hours, party leaders from Karachi disconnected themselves from its London leadership and formed a separate wing called MQM-Karachi.
