MQM condemns as UC chairman arrested over Altaf speech

According to details, law enforcement agencies on Saturday arrested Hanif Soorti from Godhra Colony area of New Karachi and shifted him to an undisclosed location.

According to security sources, Soorti will be interrogated about violence instigating speech of Altaf Hussain on August 22 followed by attack on media houses and setting of vehicles on fire on September 07.

MQM Rabita Committee has condemned the arrest and said Soorti was in his office at the time of raid. They demanded from the authorities to stop practice of ill-treatment of their elected representatives, leaders, officials and workers.

MQM also appealed from Chief Minister of Sindh Murad Ali Shah to take notice of Hanif Soorti’s arrest and help get him release.

Violence had erupted in Karachi after Altaf Hussain, who has been living in Edgware for over 20 years, addressed supporters in the city via a telephone call.

Meanwhile, Scotland Yard is investigating whether Altaf incited violence in Karachi when he addressed party workers and supporters from his north-London base.