Rangers lodge FIR against Altaf for alleged threats

KARACHI: A case against Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain was registered on Tuesday in Civil Lines Police Station, on the request of Rangers spokesman Colonel Tahir.

The case has been registered under the section 7 of Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) and 506 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).

Following the raid on MQM Headquarters Nine-Zero in Karachi last week, the MQM chief had allegedly threatened Rangers officials while speaking in Geo News programme "Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Saath", the complainant maintained.

Responding to a question regarding Rangers personnel, Altaf Hussain referred to them as a thing of the past.

Dozens of MQM workers including wanted suspects were apprehended from and around the Nine-Zero in Azizabad in the March 11 raid.

MQM leaders including Hussain initially rejected the assertion that the suspects belonged to the party or were arrested from the Nine-Zero.

They were of the opinion that the paramilitary force was targeting their party in the guise of ongoing targeted operation to eradicate Karachi of criminals and terrorists, a claim denied by Rangers officials on multiple occasions.

Also Read: MQM to continue democratic struggle under Altaf

Police sources told Geo News that the FIR was registered at 9:50pm last night, adding this was unprecedented as no case has ever been registered based on statements made on a TV show.

According to police, SSP Investigation Faizullah Korijo has been appointed as the chief of the investigation team to probe the matter. The Special Investigation Officer (SIO) Civil Lines would assist the SSP investigation in the probe, they added.

Police officials said that the evidence in the form of live interview on Geo News is present and the matter is pretty much clear, adding that a further investigation team can be formed if the need arises.

Meanwhile, Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui said this was not the first case lodged against the MQM chief as he has served a jail term in the past as well.