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No dossier against Altaf handed over to UK: Nisar
* MQM should stay alive as a political party * Saulat Mirza’s execution halted on request of Balochistan govt * Shafqat’s hanging delayed only until his age issue is resolved
ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Ch Nisar Ali Khan has rebuffed the reports regarding handing over of a dossier against Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain to UK high commissioner in Islamabad.
Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, Nisar said that he only discussed MQM chief’s threatening speeches, particularly the alleged threat given to Rangers after the raid on Nine Zero, with the British envoy. “I asked him whether UK laws would allow any citizen to deliver speeches containing hatred against Pakistani institutions from their soil,” he added.
He said MQM is a political party and it should stay alive. He said the MQM had itself demanded handing over of Karachi to military. “All parties including MQM gave mandate to launch Karachi operation which is being carried out by police and Rangers,” he said, and added that Sindh chief minister is leading the operation.
Nisar said that death row convict Saulat Mirza was to be executed on March 19 but the Interior Ministry sent proposal to the prime minister and president to postpone his hanging for 72 hours following a request by the Balochistan government.
Responding to a question about rumours regarding death of TTP leader Mullah Fazlullah, he said the reports could not be verified so far.
About the execution issue of Shafqat Hussain, the interior minister said the hanging was not postponed on the international pressure. He said the government is determined to provide justice to both the parties in this case. He said Shafqat’s hanging was delayed so that a fresh investigation into the matter of his age could be undertaken.
Nisar said officials in several ministries ran a crime racket that helped to free 15 prisoners convicted of murder and drug offences.
“Drug money is involved in this racket. I have given 10 days for this inquiry and it will be made public,” Nisar said.
“Those responsible for this will not sit in the ministry. Their place is jail.”
The minister said he had launched an investigation last year after receiving a note from a British minister expressing concern that a prisoner had been freed.
“Those who are part of this mafia as per law we will take them to jail. And this mafia which is not limited to the ministry of interior but is spread in other ministries as well,” he said.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk