Pakistani leader Altaf Hussain charged with treason for calling country "a cancer for the world"
The London-based chief of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement has apologised, and said he was under severe mental stress over extra-judicial arrests of party workers.
The Sindh Police has registered a treason case against Muttahida Qaumi Movement chief Altaf Hussain for saying Pakistan was "a cancer for the entire world", reported Geo News. The Karachi and Lahore police also registered two cases each against the party, according to Dawn.
On the same day, Hussain apologised to Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif and Director General (DG) Rangers Maj-Gen Bilal Akber, and said, "I was under severe mental stress over extra-judicial arrests and precarious condition of my workers sitting at the hunger strike camp." He urged the country's government not to exclude his party from the national mainstream. "Being a Pakistani, I assure the Pakistani people, establishment, army, ISI, all higher authorities and leaders that I will never use such words again," Hussain said.
Reacting to his apology, senior party leader Farooq Sattar said, "If such statements are a result of mental stress, then that mental stress needs to be resolved first." He said the party should operate from Pakistan until Hussain's health issues are resolved. "Altaf Hussain and the entire party are being ridiculed due to these statements," he added. The party chief, who is based out of London, is known for making inflammatory speeches and apologising afterwards.
Hussain's speech led to widespread chaos in the country on Monday when party supporters ransacked two media houses in Karachi and launched violent protests. At least one person died and more than six people were injured in the incidents. Following the protests, the party's headquarters were sealed off and several leaders were taken into custody.