MQM chief hands over powers to Rabita Committee
"I will continue to focus on improving my health," Altaf said.
KARACHI (Web Desk) – A day after senior MQM leaders’ decision to run the party ‘only from Pakistan,’ Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain on Wednesday handed over party affairs to the Rabita (Coordination) Committee.
"I honour the statements made by MQM leader Farooq Sattar and other MQM members and as a party chief I hand over powers of re-organisation, decision making and policy making to the Rabita Committee," Altaf said in a press release shared by MQM leader Wasay Jalil on Twitter.
"I will continue to focus on improving my health in line with the Coordination Committee’s suggestions," he added.
Earlier on Tuesday, Hussain’s second-in-command Farooq Sattar announced at a news conference at the Karachi Press Club that the party’s leadership in the country would solely run the party affairs with full authority.
"It is MQM Pakistan, so it should be operated from Pakistan," he said.
In response to the MQM chief’s anti-Pakistan slogans, he said "If statements [by Altaf Hussain] are a result of mental stress, then that mental stress needs to be resolved first".
He said the MQM "completely disowns" Hussain’s statements, accusing him of repeatedly embarrassing the party.
Earlier, Farooq Sattar was arrested along with other party on Monday night by the paramilitary Rangers and released on Tuesday.
The raids were conducted by Rangers after MQM workers attacked ARY News office in the city following Hussain’s vitriolic speech.
Police charged Altaf Hussain with treason and inciting terrorism. He was accused with a dozen other party leaders of shouting anti-Pakistan slogans at the demonstration on Monday.
Security forces also sealed the party’s headquarters and offices.
