Summary Workers are holding sit-ins in various cities to express solidarity with MQM chief Altaf Hussain.
KARACHI (Dunya News) – Business and transport resumed in the city on Friday after Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) leaders asked traders and transporters to continue their routine wise business.
MQM workers and sympathizers are staging sit-ins in various cities to express solidarity with the party chief Altaf Hussain.
The business community had closed their shops to express solidarity with MQM while transport service remained suspended for several hours.
However, shops and hotels and educational institutions have been reopened while transport service has resumed.
On the other hand Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) has decided to observe ‘Yaum-e-Dua’ today (Friday) for the early recovery of party chief Altaf Hussain.
Altaf Hussain, who is under treatment at a London hospital after his arrest on money laundering charges, asked his party workers and well wishers to pray for his health.
Senior MQM leader Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui read out a message from the party chief who directed all the workers to continue their peaceful struggle and maintain unity among their ranks.
Earlier on Thursday, MQM leader Farooq Sattar while talking to media, said the life in Karachi will continue as normal. He said that Altaf Hussain is still receiving treatment in hospital, adding that the doctors performed some medical exams on MQM chief. He said that people of Karachi are worried for MQM chief and that a decision will be made in next few hours.
MQM leader said that Altaf Hussain also met his 11-year-old daughter. He said that the party will take the necessary legal measures. Sattar said that the most important thing for MQM is Altaf Hussain’s health and life, adding that the reports of his medical exams will arrive soon.
He said that the sit-in protests will continue until the assurance of Hussain’s health is received. He thanked traders and transporters for showing solidarity with MQM Chief, and said that the traders should now open their shops and resume the normal business activities.
Also on Thursday, British Foreign and Common Wealth Office granted Consular access to Altaf Hussain. Acting High Commissioner of Pakistan Imran Mirza visited Altaf Hussain at London’s Wellington Hospital and held meeting with him for 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, Widow of slain Dr Imran Farooq, Shumaila Imran strongly condemned the arrest of MQM Chief Altaf Hussain. She said she was severely upset at the news, hoping that the British police will not harass Hussain
Shumaila Imran Farooq said that Altaf Hussain has always been affectionate and kind to her, adding that MQM workers wouldn’t be what they are if it wasn’t for the MQM Chief. She said that negative propaganda is being carried out against Altaf Hussain.
She added that she has been visiting party’s London International Secretariat for the past three days to inquire about MQM chief’s health. She said that her children are also worried for ‘grandfather’.
MQM chief Altaf Hussain was arrested three days back in London on the charges of money-laundering.
Metropolitan Police of London had started money laundering probe against Altaf Hussain after they recovered some 250,000 pound sterling from his house, whose source could not be ascertained. The raid was conducted during the investigation of Imran Farooq murder case.
