ISLAMABAD: Pakistan should take serious notice against Altaf Hussain’s remarks about separating Karachi, British High Commissioner to Pakistan Adam Thompson said on Wednesday.
Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Chief had said on Sunday while addressing his party leaders and workers that “If the ‘establishment’ doesn’t accept his party’s mandate, it should go ahead and detach it from the rest of the country.”
Thompson told newsmen that the London metropolitan police have received countless complaints by hundreds of British and Pakistani citizens against Altaf Hussain’s remarks and are investigating into them.
“Under British laws promoting hatred and violence is liable to punishment and Altaf Hussain’s statments must be taken seriously.” Thomson said adding that London police is independent to investigation the complaints and is under no pressure from the UK government.
Responding to a query about extradition the British High Commissioner said that that Pakistan and United Kingdom have no formal extradition treaty.
He said that Altaf’s extradition was possible but there were legal complications associated with the process
Altaf had further said, ‘instead of abusing Karachi and its people, separate Karachi from Pakistan’ and warned the ‘establishment’ that they were playing with fire.
“If you didn’t stop playing with fire, it would burn down the entire Pakistan,” he snapped, and the same time added that he was not issuing any threats to anyone.
“The nations which are pushed against the wall usually choose to build their separate home (land),” Altaf Hussain had warned.
However, the MQM Chief later on Monday stated that he did not make any demand for separation of Karachi from the country.
In an attempt to clarify his earlier stand, Altaf Hussain said in a policy statement that those hurling accusation in connection with his Sunday’s statement should view it in a proper context by obtaining its audio CD.
DND
