Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain on Tuesday apologised to the military establishment, including Army chief General Raheel Sharif and Sindh Director General (DG) Rangers Maj-Gen Bilal Akber, for his anti-Pakistan speech a day earlier.
“From the depth of my heart, I beg pardon from my remarks against Pakistan, the establishment, including General Raheel Sharif and DG Rangers,” Altaf said in a statement.
Pls read and share important statement of F&L #AltafHussain #MQM #Pakistan pic.twitter.com/bKOvW5lAde
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The MQM supremo claimed he was under severe mental stress over extra-judicial arrests and the condition of his workers sitting at the hunger strike camp set up by his party outside the Karachi Press Club.
“Being a Pakistani, I assure the Pakistani people, establishment, army, ISI, all higher authorities and leaders that I will never use such words again,” the statement read.
Altaf also regretted the violence against media houses that were attacked in the aftermath of his speech and asked for the release of MQM leaders who were later arrested.
“I request the authorities to end actions taken against MQM and do not cut the party from the national mainstream.”
Activists of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) ransacked a private television station before clashing with police Monday evening, leaving at least one person dead and over half a dozen injured. The rioting drew widespread condemnation from all political parties and prompted action by the paramilitary Rangers.
At least nine MQM leaders, including Dr Farooq Sattar, were detained while the party’s headquarters, Nine Zero, were also searched and subsequently sealed.
The violence erupted soon after MQM the chief gave a telephonic address to his supporters in which he castigated the media for not giving due coverage of his workers and allegedly raised anti-Pakistan slogans.
