HYDERABAD: Muttahida Qaumi Movement's (MQM) MNA Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui on Tuesday said MQM is being pressurised to withdraw Wasim Akhtar as his party's nominee for Karachi's mayor, but "they will not succumb to any intimidation or threat".

Siddiqui made the statement while distributing relief goods among rain hit families in Hyderabad.

“If there is anyone who can change him (Wasim Akhtar), it is Altaf Hussain alone,” the MNA said.

Siddiqui alleged that there is foul play against MQM.

"There is pressure through ‘messages’ and ‘steps’ against us,” claimed the MQM MNA.

“You tell me whether anyone is booked for listening to speeches in the world. There can be cases for delivering speeches and will charges be framed for making speeches in parliament today," he said, alluding to Mahmood Khan Achakzai’s speech over the suicide attack in Civil Hospital of Quetta calling for fixing responsibility on security agencies.

He said that Pakistan Peoples Party gave an ineffective local government system, during their government in the center, which is in direct conflict with Article 140-A of the Constitution.

MQM also faces a controversial joint investigation team (JIT) report of Sindh police leaked to the media in which confessional statements for organising violence on May 12,2007 was attributed to Wasim Akhtar.

MQM through a statement of Akhtar dismissed the report outright.

Akhtar was arrested along with Rauf Siddiqui and Pak Sarzameen Party's leader Anis Kaimkhani last month on allegations of providing treatment and shelter to terrorists in Dr Asim Hussain case.

Akhtar, who is incarcerated in Central Jail Karachi, is facing 10 cases. One of the case is for hearing a speech delivered by MQM chief Altaf Hussain.

Opinion

Editorial

Kurram atrocity
Updated 22 Nov, 2024

Kurram atrocity

It would be a monumental mistake for the state to continue ignoring the violence in Kurram.
Persistent grip
22 Nov, 2024

Persistent grip

PAKISTAN has now registered 50 polio cases this year. We all saw it coming and yet there was nothing we could do to...
Green transport
22 Nov, 2024

Green transport

THE government has taken a commendable step by announcing a New Energy Vehicle policy aiming to ensure that by 2030,...
Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...