Senior MQM legislator Syed Sardar Ahmed moved the resolution against party founder for his apparent remarks against Pakistan that drew hornet’s nest in the country. The resolution was passed unanimously by the House after speeches of MPAs who condemned the ‘anti-Pakistan’ statements.

The lawmakers also condemned August 22 attack on ARY News office in Karachi and called for strong punishment to the perpetrators of the attack.

‘I have spent my childhood in MQM’: Khwaja Izhar

Opposition Leader in the Sindh Assembly, Khwaja Izharul Hasan, said he spent his childhood in the party and his association with the MQM spans across 28 years

“You attach a bond with party founder, slogans are raised ‘advertently’ at times,” he said.

After August 22 situation, we had three options. First, we could have moved abroad, second, we could have defected to another party and in that case, there would be no cases or actions against us. And third, strive to steer party of crisis and that’s exactly what we did.

Izhar said MQM Pakistan continued its support for Karachi operation in better interest of the masses.

He said several people are languishing in jails for wrong charges and urged the chief minister to ensure their release.

The MQM legislator said he was not disappointed on his arrest. “It’s the way how MQM workers and leaders had been facing arrests in the past.”

Besides, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf also moved a separate resolution rebuking MQM’s founder statements.

Earlier, MQM Faisal Sabzwari said he would not have to Pakistan if he had felt threatened by the developing post-August 22 situation.

He said party leadership and workers were saddened when Mohajirs were targetted.

Speaking on the floor of the House, PTI’s Khurram Sher Zaman said what Altaf Hussain said must be responded with punishment of no less than execution.

He claimed that Altaf was a friend of anti-Pakistan elements. “We must accept that Pakistan state had made some mistakes in the past for letting him go scot-free.”

He said: “We won’t accept politics of weapons in Karachi anymore.” He reiterated that anyone speaking against Pakistan must face charges under article 6 of the Constitution.

The legislator also hailed the Mutahida Qaumi Movement (Pakistan) statements on their party founder and later their disassociation from MQM London.

PPP leader Nisar Khuhro said the entire nation/community must not be defamed for an act of just single person.