MQM chief Altaf Hussain hands over party leadership to Rabita Committee

KARACHI: The Muttahida Qaumi Movement Chief Altaf Hussain has formally handed over the party powers to the Rabita Committee in Pakistan.

In a statement issued by the party on its website on Wednesday the MQM supremo accepted the decision announced by Farooq Sattar in a press conference held at the Karachi Press Club yesterday. Sattar accompanied by several senior leaders said that due to mental stress that Altaf Hussain faces, the party decisions will be taken by Rabita Committee in Pakistan.

“I respect the decision MQM leaders have taken in their press conference. As founder of the party I hand over powers to makes decisions and, organizing the party to the Rabita Committee,” the statement said, BBC Urdu reported. The party's website is blocked in Pakistan.

The statement directs workers, elected representatives, and party leaders to work with the Rabita Committee to strengthen the party movement.

The statement adds that the MQM chief will pay attention to his health as directed by the Rabita Committee.

In extraordinary developments on Tuesday, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Pakistan distanced itself from controversial anti-Pakistan statements made by the party leadership in London, with Deputy Convener Farooq Sattar taking control of the party leadership.

Sattar, flanked by senior leaders of the party, announced at a press conference in Karachi that future party decisions would be made by the MQM Rabita Committee in Pakistan.

The announcement followed a crackdown by the Sindh Rangers on MQM leaders and offices after party workers stormed media offices on the directives of party chief Altaf Hussain, who lives in self-exile in London.

Several anti-Pakistan slogans were raised during the party chief's live telephonic speech on Monday. At least one person was killed in the violence that ensued after the provocative speech.