Altaf Hussain is in BIG trouble
Who know this day would actually come in our lives. The MQM leader and extremely controversial Pakistani politician Altaf Hussain has landed in big trouble for a speech he made back in 2016.
The Scotland Yard has charged Altaf Hussain for terrorism over his speech back in August 2016
A statement was issued by the Metropolitan Police, UK whereby they identified Altaf bhai simply as a 66 year old man. According to the statement, Altaf Hussain was charged under section 1(2) of the UK’s Terrorism Act (TACT) 2006 with encouraging terrorism. The charge was specifically for a speech he delivered to a Karachi crowd on August 22, 2016. The statement specificed the charge in the following words:
“On 22 August 2016 published a speech to crowds gathered in Karachi, Pakistan which were likely to be understood by some or all of the members of the public to whom they were published as a direct or indirect encouragement to them to the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism and at the time he published them, intended them to be so encouraged, or was reckless as to whether they would be so encouraged.
Hussain will appear in custody at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 10 October.”
Earlier this year Altaf Hussain was arrested by the police in UK but was released on bail while awaiting the charges to be made against him
Naturally, people of Karachi are shocked about Altaf Hussain actually being charged
For years, he has led his party as a controversial figure rumored to have incited communal violence against native Sindhis, Pakhtuns and Punjabis, while defending the Muhajir community.
News of the day.
MQM founder Altaf Hussain charged in London with a terrorism offence over a speech made in August 2016
— Ihtisham Ul Haq (@iihtishamm) October 10, 2019
Many were overjoyed
Altaf Hussain! As a born and bred Karachiite, I've been waiting for this day my whole life. Congratulations Karachi! The day has finally arrived!!!
— زبیر/Zubair (@BrownWhovian) October 10, 2019
Raw agent Altaf Hussain has been charged by Scotland Yard under terrorism law in UK.
— Ali Raza (@AliRazaTweets) October 10, 2019
They’re asking for him to be extradited to Pakistan, with the UK revoking his British nationality
We request UK Govt to kindly revoke the nationality of Altaf Hussain. He must be returned to Pakistan..
Guys please copy and paste this message so that it reaches @ukinpakistan @BorisJohnson
— کامو خان 🇵🇰 (@KhanKamoo) October 10, 2019
Altaf Hussain must be returned to #Pakistan
— Adeel Ahsan🇵🇰 (@syedadeelahsan) October 10, 2019
People simply can’t believe that this might mean the end of an era
Altaf hussain gone.
— Sam¡ (@theSamiii_) October 10, 2019
Altaf bhai has been a polarizing figure in Karachi’s politics specifically and the country’s political landscape by default. After being banned from television in Pakistan and the military action against the goons that associated themselves with his party, much of the incredible influence that he wielded over Karachi dissipated. With him being charged for a terrorism offence, this definitely could be the end of an era in Pakistan’s political history.
Share your thoughts on bhai being charged in the comments below.
Cover image via: theminoritytimes.com