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London Metropolitan Police have returned Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain's passport, a statement on the party's website says.
Altaf's passport was seized by British authorities during their investigation of a money laundering case in which the MQM supremo was a suspect.
An MQM spokesperson confirmed to Dawn.com that the party chief had yet to apply for a Pakistani visa.
After bail conditions against Altaf were removed due to insufficient evidence earlier this month, the restrictions on his movement were also lifted, the statement says.
Know more: London police removes Altaf Hussain’s bail conditions over lack of evidence
Following the Rangers raid on MQM headquarters Nine Zero in March 2015, Altaf in an interview expressed a desire to return to Pakistan for the sake of his party.
He said he was unable to do so at the time, as his passport was in possession of British authorities. He added that he would visit Pakistan as soon as his passport was returned.
It is however unlikely Altaf would attempt such a trip, given the existing political scenario, especially in Karachi.
The MQM supremo has been in self-exile in London since 1992. He has controlled MQM operations in Karachi sitting in the United Kingdom for nearly 24 years now.
After Altaf Hussain allegedly spoke against state institutions, including the army and Rangers, following the Nine Zero raid, the Lahore High Court ordered the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority to ban the broadcast of his speeches and images.
Next 15 days crucial, be vigilant: Rabita Committee
MQM's central coordination committee, also known as the 'Rabita Committee', made a "passionate appeal to Pakistanis to remain vigilant and keep their eyes and minds open over the next 15 days, as the coming days are extremely crucial."
The Rabita Committee statement advised citizens to stockpile medication for children, the elderly, and for those with diabetes and psychiatric concerns owing to 'frequent earthquakes and an unstable political environment in the country'.
The statement also calls for stocking up on matches, batteries, candles, oil, wood, and coal for the next 15 days, and to fill up fuel tanks.
Read more
On DawnNews
Comments (104) Closed
Feb 17, 2016 01:04pm
He is welcome back and face the challenges if he is a true leader....
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Feb 17, 2016 01:12pm
He shouldn't go back in existing political situation especially when a number of cases are pending on him in different courts in Pakistan.
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Feb 17, 2016 01:16pm
This would be his biggest mistake if he comes to Pakistan - beanazir was also warned not to travel to Pakistan
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Feb 17, 2016 01:19pm
@IamPakistan, He was never barred from coming to Pakistan. Cases against Altaf are still there. His only bail condition has been waved.
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Feb 17, 2016 01:19pm
Karachiites are eager to welcome him to his homeland he is the only leader of middle class populous of this country
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Feb 17, 2016 01:20pm
Here it comes.. Even if he comes to Pakistan what the big deal in it.. Will Karachi become the city of light again... Never they ruined it... I am not blaming him only.. All leaders ruined it. I want my city's light back not the culprits....
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Feb 17, 2016 01:24pm
@iampakistan, he doesn't need your or any one certificate regarding leadership or patriotism.
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Feb 17, 2016 01:26pm
Govt should withdraw all false cases against Altaf Hussain & his party MQM enabling them to return to national politics. Imran Khan tried his best to contain AF, PPP tried & still is trying to stop MQM & the present govt is also not able to make any headway. I think AF should be allowed to return to Pakistan & work for the benefit of the peoples of Sindh & Pakistan. Pakistan needs clear & clean politics and not contaminated with political gimmicks.
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Feb 17, 2016 01:28pm
please come back.. the awam need you here very badly..
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Feb 17, 2016 01:30pm
He will never come back . Living in Lodon and enjoying luxurious life and you expect him to leave this all and start living in Karachi .
I guess MQM should focus to improve Industry of Karachi , Living standards of Muhajirs
People of Sindh and MQM , please do some work in Sindh and in the end you blame Punjab for doing progress.
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Feb 17, 2016 01:35pm
@Muhammad I am a Karachiite and I am not at all eager to welcome him. Stop speaking for all Karachiites.
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Feb 17, 2016 01:51pm
False promise he will never return as we all know.
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Feb 17, 2016 02:06pm
never will he come never ever ever
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Feb 17, 2016 02:09pm
He should be the next PM of Pakistan.
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Feb 17, 2016 02:10pm
Altaf is a very charismatic and dynamic character, true leader of the masses and only hope of Pakistan for a corruption-less govt.
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Feb 17, 2016 02:15pm
I think the best thing for MQM will be, if he stepped down and let Farooq sattar to lead party for few yrs, he needs to focus more on clearing his name from the heinous crime he has/had committed in past, as I see MQM may have chance to grow without him, with him, probably near future destruction
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Feb 17, 2016 02:15pm
@Kamal Pasha. There are 101 ways to stop someone from returning. The govt should show maturity and allow Altaf Hussain to return & stay safe in Pakistan. Why the bail condition has been waived.
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Feb 17, 2016 02:15pm
He and Zardari, both will come back to Pakistan - at the RIGHT time.....
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Feb 17, 2016 02:20pm
ALTAF WINS AGAIN...
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Feb 17, 2016 02:23pm
He will never go back.............
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Feb 17, 2016 02:33pm
On insistence of mothers ans sisters Altaf Bhai as always will cancel the decision to return to Pakistan.
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Feb 17, 2016 02:43pm
I am very happy today, true son of soil gets back one of the fundamental rights he was denied earlier.
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Feb 17, 2016 02:48pm
@sahil MQM is with Altaf Hussain. No minus Altaf formula is acceptable. The unity of MQM exists only due to Altaf Hussain. The agencies & all pro feudal forces failed to taint MQM vote bank in Karachi only because of the charismatic character of Altaf Hussain.
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Feb 17, 2016 02:50pm
@IamPakistan All are fake cases against him and hatched in his absence. We all know well that how politicized cases are registered against those who oppose the fiefdom of the politicians.
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Feb 17, 2016 02:56pm
@farhan he already have them from many countries...
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Feb 17, 2016 03:04pm
In present scenario he would never come as he is also facing the charges of treason.
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Feb 17, 2016 03:21pm
@Kamran You are in a very small minority and please remember in democracy majority always prevail what should we do if handful of people have some problem with MQM (the true representative of Karachi) ?
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Feb 17, 2016 03:35pm
He will never come. I bet it. I think new drama is about to start.
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Feb 17, 2016 03:36pm
he does not have guts to come to Pakistan
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Feb 17, 2016 03:44pm
If Altaf has even an iota of political integrity and self respect, he should return to Pakistan immediately and prove his opponents wrong. Ball is now very much in his court.
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Feb 17, 2016 04:19pm
AH will not come back.
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Feb 17, 2016 04:23pm
@taimoor khan I hope you're joking!
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Feb 17, 2016 04:23pm
@Zak Were you being sarcastic here bro or did you really mean it??
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Feb 17, 2016 04:26pm
Altaf bhai come to pakistan your a true pakistani show that your not afraid, I support you from rawalpindi. Make Karachi great!!! Make sindh great, make Pakistan great!!
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Feb 17, 2016 04:38pm
For 24 years the British government protected the MQM leader without any fear for his life. Will he get the same guarantee from the Pakistani authority if he returns back? The ball is in the MQM court.
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Feb 17, 2016 04:39pm
It would be a great day when Altaf bhai returns to Karachi.
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Feb 17, 2016 04:43pm
Where Mian Nawaz Sharif,the PM of Pakistan is powerless and he has no control on NAB and agencies,how can we expect Altaf Bhai to come to this country?
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Feb 17, 2016 04:53pm
wish he stands to what he is saying for last 24 years in self exile. come on Altaf we are waiting for you with open arms.... wish to see you in Pak where you party is being victimized as per your members, come back and save them. you have been granted an extra ordinary release from a case which still holds good for your indictment. nevertheless, you are freed for completing some political agendas ... sooner your delirious speeches will tell us what exactly got you free and who did that. hi time to come back to your motherland for whom you are crying/ weeping and craving for last 24 years but you never showed the mettle to step on this land, though no one stopped you from coming back and saving the workers. come on, for ONE time fulfill what you said, don make excuses on medical reasons and don say this or that is threatening.... just come back. you are son of land.
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Feb 17, 2016 04:58pm
@Muhammad what has he done for them?
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Feb 17, 2016 05:01pm
@M Jamal and that is exactly how it should be. The PM does not control law enforcement.
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Feb 17, 2016 05:02pm
@farhan True my friend. People just need to look at state of affairs of Karachi to judge what goodies he has brought to this country while sitting abroad. May god give us some balance in our thinking process.
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Feb 17, 2016 05:04pm
@pakistani.. No matter what critics say, he is a leader of remarkable qualities and he will remain. It doesn't matter either if he comes or not, if he could have lead the movement form the distant successfully, he can carry it on in future as well. After all this is communication age. Now the advance world is thinking to go beyond moon and planning to land into Mars, then why not Bhai can lead Karachi from London. Long live Altaf Hussain
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Feb 17, 2016 05:06pm
If MQM follows the path of non violence they certainly will overcome their opponents who are feudal lords and have always tried to silence the middle class through opression, tyranny and false charges of taking law in hands by violent means.
The vote bank, discipline, unity and organisation of MQM with service delivery is exemplary with no match.
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Feb 17, 2016 05:07pm
@sahil You must be age of a younger lot, to let you know many people dreaming same for at least last three full decades.
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Feb 17, 2016 05:13pm
Altaf hussain , your party involve in alots of offences and crimes , we are here in karachi knows what happening in karachi your party MNA involves in taking huge amount of bribes . peoples give you votes for progress.if you have 1% humanity so do something for betterment.
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Feb 17, 2016 05:17pm
@Zubaida khan First of tell us what the other leaders has done for their voters then ask this question secondly he united the under privileged educated middle class under one banner, which is a remarkable achievement in a feudal / tribal society
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Feb 17, 2016 05:31pm
Good news. In the end the Truth prevails. Propaganda can work in Pakistan but not in UK.
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Feb 17, 2016 05:43pm
@Zubaida khan If the Chief Executive is not the real boss then Angels are responsible.Very simple that if there are too many cooks they spoil the broth.
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Feb 17, 2016 05:53pm
@IamPakistan : But, it is a very big "IF" !!
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Feb 17, 2016 05:57pm
Amazing! Some people are even expecting him back. Kudos.
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Feb 17, 2016 05:57pm
All the politicians are dying to serve this nation and its the nation who is thankless.
sarcasm
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Feb 17, 2016 06:03pm
Uh political situation I can understand but how Altaf Hussain can predict earthquakes? This isn't North Korea.
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Feb 17, 2016 06:06pm
Get ready for another U turn by AH. He will now say he wont come back.
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Feb 17, 2016 06:07pm
@Philosopher (from Japan) Dont worry, he will never come to Pakistan, he has been enjoying a very comfortable life in London, why should he take any risk.
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Feb 17, 2016 06:07pm
@Muhammad I totally disagree with your comment. I want Altaf to come back to Karachi but face the courts here for all the pending cases. He has to be answerable to the nation.
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Feb 17, 2016 06:23pm
@Shahid let us catch all the big fishes regardless of their ethnic back ground... it should be across the board...
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Feb 17, 2016 06:55pm
@taimoor khan On what ground?
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Feb 17, 2016 06:58pm
He is not going back mark my words.
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Feb 17, 2016 07:00pm
British origin Pakistani
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Feb 17, 2016 07:05pm
True leaders stay with supporters
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Feb 17, 2016 07:16pm
as a voter of mqm ,i urge altaf bhai to stay in london because the will ake fabricated cases against him......
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Feb 17, 2016 07:42pm
No need to return at this point. He is doing a good work there and keep doing it for the people of Karachi!!!
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Feb 17, 2016 07:44pm
Many Pakistanis wish that AH gets back as soon as possible and the reason is obvious, but workers of MQM will never allow him to return back in Pakistan where hundreds fabricated cases await for him. He will stay outside of Pakistan until goals are achieved.
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Feb 17, 2016 08:00pm
He even not to came at the best time i.e. when President of Pakistan Zardari was visited him in his London house and when Rahman Malik was on call any time he wants. How can he come back now? Yes for politics we may read news that he is coming than not coming than coming...........
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Feb 17, 2016 08:06pm
Pakistan needs Altaf Hussain !!
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Feb 17, 2016 08:10pm
welcome let him stay in Pakistan
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Feb 17, 2016 08:12pm
@Kamran But then you must be in the minority Mr. Kamran have you not seen the results of Local body elections?
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Feb 17, 2016 08:18pm
Bad idea to come now Mr. Hussain. Wait till honest & true Pakistani take over the country.
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Feb 17, 2016 08:24pm
karachiest will welcome their leader.
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Feb 17, 2016 08:28pm
People do not understand that it is not the leader that makes a country but instead it's the people that makes the country. Don't give too much importance to one man otherwise the chances are that he will become a pariah.
Strengthen democracy and democratic rights. Fight for right cause i.e. independent judiciary, police force etc. Believe in laws and follow rules and regulations so no one can mislead you. You (the people) that keeps a leader in check and it should not be vice versa.
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Feb 17, 2016 08:35pm
@Amir Shah Dear bro. em not worried at all while living in Japan neither do Altaf while living in London. The rest of the worries are left for you if he comes back. stay tuned.
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Feb 17, 2016 08:55pm
What MQM is thinking ??? why stockpile essentials...??? Rangers please take note.
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Feb 17, 2016 09:04pm
How can he come ? An Anti-Terrorism Court has already issued his non-bailable arrest warrants about a month back, in a case of treason registered at Shah Latif Police Station that also included other charges of serious nature.
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Feb 17, 2016 09:15pm
@pakistani.. We are finally enjoying some normalcy in Karachi, please stay where you are
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Feb 17, 2016 09:20pm
What is MQM planning this time by asking karachites to stockpile for 15 days,it has a ring of doomsday warning.
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Feb 17, 2016 09:41pm
it is time for altaf to retire and let the political wing of MQM to tae control te politics of the country . it is good good for the country , for sind and karachi
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Feb 17, 2016 09:58pm
@irfan Bro, MQM has no rights. Funding from the government straightly drives into the account of Saaein Sarkar! People of Karachi and MQM are bound!
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Feb 17, 2016 10:02pm
why is a visa required to come to Pakistan? is he not a Pakistani citizen?
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Feb 17, 2016 10:03pm
he will ask in a telephonic address: "should i come back" and 2 people will respond: "no, we worry for your security" he will say: "ok, if you insist"
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Feb 17, 2016 10:12pm
I will request MQM to spare karachites and choose another leader. we need our family city and country safe, not leader. PS I am a karachite
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Feb 17, 2016 10:54pm
wise men speak because they have some thing to say.. other types because they have to say some thing.... here those with extreme bias against altaf falls in other types...
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Feb 17, 2016 10:56pm
@irfan Luxurious life? mind you. Show me a single picture, a single news where he is seen attending dinners with celebrities, playing tennis, going to movies, shopping, standing with Prince Charles etc. Just because he lives in London does not mean he is living a luxurious life. The guy has dedicated his life for Karachi and Pakistan. He lives in the hearts of his followers and in the minds of his enemies.
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Feb 17, 2016 11:03pm
next news... doctors have advised bhai to not travel for medical reasons...
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Feb 17, 2016 11:05pm
@IamPakistan Do you still have doubt on his leadership??? Perhaps for you leaders are like Nawaz Sharif and Asif Zardari.
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Feb 17, 2016 11:19pm
He is a courageous leader. He will definitely come on British passport. r
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Feb 17, 2016 11:21pm
a charimatic leadership for educated people of pakistan= ALTAF HUSSAIN.. and no need to return... only when the time is RIGHT...
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Feb 17, 2016 11:37pm
We do not want to see him here in Karachi. Life is more peaceful since his live conference calls have been barred by court.
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Feb 17, 2016 11:51pm
What visa? Did he surrender his Pakistani nationality?
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Feb 18, 2016 12:24am
I am personally not a great fan of Altaf Husain as I am not really supportive of ethnically divided Pakistan. That said, if people of Karachi support him (MQM), then for the sake of democracy he needs to be respected.
He supported Musharraf and the first 5-year term of PPP and that was in my view a positive and collaboritve step. Reader's comments continue to smell of hate against him or MQM. I wonder if this is a reflection of the on-going hatred that some people from other provinces hold against Mohajirs. Or perhaps the elitist minded Karachiets
Just so we are clear, income taxes are mainly paid in Karachi as rest of Patriotic Pakistanis by enlarge do not believe in paying taxes. Not sure how they can claim to be more Paksitani's than people of Karachi. Perhaps it is time to stop this hate mongering and start respecting rights of Mohajirs who actually rendered sacrifices.
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Feb 18, 2016 12:37am
Must come and face the charges first, and also reply to Karachiites why so far quota system still prevailing,why so far the stranded Pakistani not repatriated from Dhakah,( these were initial 2 issues propagated by MQM) why so many times you took U-turns and aligned MQM with PPP,as per track record PPP never delivered to Karachiites,and still not allowing Mayor from MQM to lead.Still there are many questions, it's seem rather impossible that Mohtaram Altaf Hussain could ever come home.
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Feb 18, 2016 12:43am
Altaf Hussain has undoubtedly proved to be the greatest survivor of Pakistani politics and this undoubtedly proves his mettle. Most other politicians look as dwarves in front of his political and survival skills. By continuing an absurd ban on his speeches and images, the establishment has sidelined a genuine leader of masses who are understandably alienated. In the meanwhile the power of the barrel is giving an unwanted arrogance to the security forces which may prove ephemeral.
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Feb 18, 2016 12:46am
Spreading scare is something abominable.
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Feb 18, 2016 01:20am
@Muhammad How is that when there are no court cases??? lmao
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Feb 18, 2016 01:24am
@Saad Qureshi it must be nice.
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Feb 18, 2016 01:50am
I am sure he is brave enough to face the challenge like Musharraf Parvez.
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Feb 18, 2016 02:07am
Any surprises!!!
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Feb 18, 2016 03:43am
It is all nothing but a conspiracy against MQM and its leadership. For years the leader of MQM was denied his passport. Now all of a sudden a murder case which did not even took place on Pakistan has been registered in Pakistan and now he has been given a passport. Honestly people are not blind they can clearly see the conspiracy here.
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Feb 18, 2016 04:48am
Altaf Hussain has been able to keep the movement alive and strong during his absence from the country, this shows his commitment to Karachi. During this period many political leaders tried to wipe-out MQM and take control on this mega city but nobody was able to match Altaf and his team.
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Feb 18, 2016 07:44am
@Muhammad LOL at how delusional we are ....
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Feb 18, 2016 07:46am
@Inayatullah Rustamani When will we stand for any principles or morals or Pakistan instead of indivduals.....
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Feb 18, 2016 07:47am
@M Jamal In a democracy NS should not have any control of NAB or agencies...they should be independent
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Feb 18, 2016 07:48am
@Akil Akhtar i agree!
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Feb 18, 2016 08:47am
A nation deserves the leaders it gets. America gets Abraham Lincoln, England gets Winston Churchill, South Africa gets Nelson Mendella and we in Pakistan get Nawaz Sharif, Asif Zardari, Altaf Hussain, so be it. A moral less, ethic-less, nation gets, moral-less, and ethic-less leaders, as simple as that.
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Feb 20, 2016 12:56am
Is there anyone in Pakistan or in even in the world who never fought with another person using abusive and threatening language against the opponent. If someone utters, "If you say this again, I will kill you" does this sentence mean what it actually means or vice versa. There are many a times when people use very serious language when talking or rather criticising others but it does not mean that the person really means it. Altaf Hussein has been misunderstood even by guru of Urdu language who could not decipher the real meanings of his speeches ironically enough to make out the reality of the words.
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