KARACHI: MQM leader Farooq Sattar on Saturday claimed that MQM headquarter Nine Zero has been sealed illegally and unconstitutionally, and that there was no reason behind this action following the party’s dissociation from Altaf Hussain.

“When we say that we have disconnected with London, it means that we are no more in contact with them, stop doing speculations,” Sattar said while addressing a press conference in the metropolis.

“Stop doubting our intention. If somebody is misguided, he should consult some Urdu linguistic for explanation of what we have said,” he added.

The senior party leader said that MQM has parted ways with Altaf 'Saahb' and the latter has been totally disconnected from the party affairs.

Sattar went on to say that MQM is only asking for political ownership, which is their due legal and political right.

“Stop our victimisation through media. Stop pressurising us through these ‘so-called’ analysts, we won’t take dictation from anyone.”

“You cannot seal the headquarter of a political party, only because of the controversial statements issued by an individual — who is already dissociated from the party,” said Sattar.

“We will cooperate with the law enforcement agencies if party members or workers are found involved in any unlawful action or violation of law and order,” he assured, adding that “unlawful raids and arrests of innocent workers must be stopped immediately”.

These actions demonstrate that it is not just about one person, but there is some other nefarious agenda being followed from behind the curtains, said Sattar. "It suggests you are planning to create fractions inside MQM."

The MQM leader said that more than 20 party offices have been demolished so far, despite the fact that many of them were legal and the properties are were donated by MQM's well-wishers.

“Even if these offices were illegal, why these offices were not demolished earlier?”

When Wasim Akhtar will take oath as Karachi’s mayor, he will announce to demolish all the illegal encroachments including our illegal offices [if any], Sattar announced.

“I herby inform the federal and provincial governments that our offices and members have nothing to do with the statements of Altaf Hussain. Stop pushing us towards negative approach. We showed positivity, and expect same from the governments.”

If there are any criminals in MQM, go ahead arrest them, but MQM and terrorism are two different entities, he asserted.

Opinion

Editorial

Judicial disputes
Updated 23 Mar, 2025

Judicial disputes

Public perceptions of the institution’s independence and neutrality have taken a hit due to bitter, public spats between senior judges.
Biased proposal
23 Mar, 2025

Biased proposal

PAKISTAN’S tax system is extortionist, unpredictable and unsupportive of investment and economic growth. It...
JFK files
23 Mar, 2025

JFK files

THE latest cache of declassified documents from what are known as the ‘Kennedy files’ have not really impressed...
Running on empty
Updated 22 Mar, 2025

Running on empty

World Water Day should remind country’s rulers that water crisis threatens the very survival of our future generations.
Another ultimatum
22 Mar, 2025

Another ultimatum

THESE are fraught times, but the government must still find it in its heart to be a little more accommodating....
Muzzled voices
22 Mar, 2025

Muzzled voices

A NEW era of censorship is upon us. The FIA’s arrest of journalist and founder of media agency Raftar, Farhan...