MQM rebels to reveal ‘Altaf RAW link’

Dissident Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) leader Mustafa Kamal has agreed to record his statement against Altaf Hussain and others for alleged links with India’s Research and Analysis Wing (RAW).

Upon their surprise return from self-exile earlier in March, he and Anis Qaimkhani had accused Altaf Hussain and some other top MQM leaders of money-laundering and having links with RAW, claiming the party had been receiving funds from the Indian spy agency.

Federal Investigation Agency Sindh director Shahid Hayat visited Mr Kamal’s residence in Clifton neighbourhood. The informal meeting lasted for about half an hour wherein the FIA officer asked the MQM rebels for cooperation in the case.

“Shahid Hayat has sought cooperation to probe money laundering and RAW related cases and I assured him of full cooperation,” said Mr Kamal while talking to reporters.

Sources in the FIA said Mr Kamal was likely to record his statement to the agency in the next couple of days.

Earlier, interior minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan had said Mr Kamal had not given any documentary evidence against the MQM and termed his claims as verbal accusations.

He invited the former Karachi mayor to share evidence with the FIA, which is already investigating the case against MQM leadership.

The FIA has also contacted Sarfaraz Merchant, one of the suspects in money-laundering case. Upon his showing willingness, the investigators will record his statement either in London or in Pakistan, if agreed to come here for this purpose.

On Monday, Mr Khan said Sarfraz Merchant was an eyewitness in different cases and should be treated with respect and dignity.

The MQM is also under pressure from the paramilitary Rangers force, which launched an armed operation in the southern port city late in 2013 to tackle soaring crime rates. Since then, hundreds of MQM workers have been arrested and a court has issued an arrest warrant for party boss Altaf Husain for threatening the army in a television address.