Federal Minister Mustafa Kamal has made a serious accusation. He claims that Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) founder, Altaf Hussain, ordered the murder of senior leader Dr. Imran Farooq. Kamal, a senior figure in MQM-Pakistan, made these comments at a press conference in Karachi.
Kamal alleged that Hussain ordered to kill Dr. Farooq while he was intoxicated. He stated the murder was carried out based on these direct orders. The case has been a dark cloud over MQM politics for years.
Who Was Dr. Imran Farooq?
Dr. Farooq was a founding member of the MQM. He was instrumental when it started as a student movement. Many considered him the party’s ideological guide. He played a huge role in shaping its constitution and structure.
His life ended tragically on September 16, 2010, in London. Police reports show he was attacked outside his home. Two men used a brick and knives, killing him instantly. Dr. Farooq had moved to London in 1999 following a security operation against the MQM.
Kamal’s Press Conference Details
During the conference, Kamal described Altaf Hussain as a “theatrical man.” He accused him of performing “item songs over corpses” and seeing himself as a ruler.
Kamal claimed that Hussain put on a dramatic show over the body of Dr. Farooq’s wife. He also said Hussain sought donations of millions of pounds to send her body to Pakistan. According to Kamal, the murder of Imran Farooq was a “gift” for the MQM founder’s birthday. An appeal for donations was allegedly made around the same time.
Kamal also stated that Hussain relied on foreign funding and has destroyed generations. He urged Dr. Farooq’s children to avoid any contact with the MQM founder. Kamal mentioned he had stayed in touch with Dr. Farooq’s widow and children, who were under Scotland Yard’s protection after the murder.
Trials and Convictions
The murder case led to a major investigation by Scotland Yard. In 2020, a court in Islamabad reached a verdict. Three Pakistani nationals, all MQM members, were convicted for the murder.
Khalid Shamim, Mohsin Ali, and Moazzam Ali received life sentences. They were also fined Rs1 million each, which was to be paid to the victim’s family. British police provided evidence after getting assurance the men would not face the death penalty.
The death of Imran Farooq was a significant turning point for the MQM. The party once dominated Karachi politics. It later split into several factions due to leadership conflicts and internal rifts.
Meanwhile, senior political leaders continue to remain active on both political and personal fronts. Recently, Nawaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz departed for Dubai to share wedding invitations, highlighting ongoing engagements within top political circles.
