QUETTA: The Balochistan Assembly on Saturday adopted a unanimous resolution condemning a recent speech by Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain which was critical of the country's armed forces. Hussain has already apologised for his remarks.

The resolution was tabled by Home Minister Balochistan Mir Sarfaraz Bugti during the session which resumed today with Deputy Speaker Abdul Qudoos Bizenjo in the chair.

All political parties on the treasury and opposition benches signed the resolution demanding action against MQM and Hussain in relation to his speech.

Take a look: PTI wants Altaf’s speech referred to UK

Members of National Party, Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP), Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam - Fazl (JUI-F), Awami National Party (ANP) and others signed the resolution which said that objectionable language against the army could not be tolerated.

Chief Minister Balochistan Dr Malik Baloch who was present during the session endorsed the resolution which was unanimously adopted after it was tabled for voting.

Director-General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Major-General Asim Bajwa had on Friday condemned the statements made by MQM chief Altaf Hussain in relation to the army, saying the matter would be pursued legally.

Also read: Altaf's remarks on army to be legally pursued: ISPR

It is pertinent to mention that hours after a strong reaction from the army, the MQM chief apologised to “national security institutions” and “all patriots” for his remarks about the 1971 war and the call to India’s intelligence agency for help. He said he wanted to clarify that remarks seeking assistance from India’s Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) had been made just “satirically”.

Hussain was also all praise for the armed forces and said he had always had respect for the Pakistan Army.

The latest chain of statements began on Thursday when SSP Malir Rao Anwar made startling claims that two suspects that he had arrested – Tahir alias Lamba and Mama Junaid – belonged to the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and had been sent to India for anti-state training in the past.

Know more: Arrested suspects affiliated with MQM, trained by RAW: SSP

A copy of the resolution - photo by author