Kamal claims to have killed a ‘gift’ for Altaf’s birthday, Azizabadi says Kamal only speaks when ‘his masters are pulling the strings’
KARACHI:
Following the death of Shumaila Imran, widow of slain Muttahida Qaumi Movement leader Dr Imran Farooq, the party’s rival factions – MQM-London and MQM-Pakistan – found themselves engaged in a bitter blame game, with both sides accusing each other of masterminding the murder of the former party stalwart.
The war of words began on Sunday when, at a press conference in Karachi, MQM-P leader Mustafa Kamal claimed that Altaf Hussain had ordered the assassination of Dr Imran Farooq. Kamal described his former political boss – the MQM founder – as “a man of theatre” who performed “object songs on dead bodies” and saw himself as a leader.
Kamal further claimed that Dr Imran Farooq was killed as a “gift” on the MQM founder’s birthday, adding that a call for donations was also made in connection with the murder. He alleged that the MQM founder relied on foreign funding, destroyed generations and continued to harm people, urging Dr Farooq’s children not to engage with him.
Kamal also said he had kept in touch with Dr Farooq’s widow and children, who were taken into the protection of Scotland Yard after the murder.
Responding sharply to the allegations, MQM-London Rabita committee convener Mustafa Azizabadi termed Kamal’s press conference as an extremely shameful attempt to drag Dr Imran Farooq’s family into what he described as dirty politics.
He demanded concrete proof of Altaf Hussain’s involvement in the murder, saying that if Mustafa Kamal was telling the truth, he should present proof of his claims. Azizabadi also said that Kamal should be ashamed if he fails to provide evidence to support his allegations. However, he also held Kamal responsible for the murder of Dr Imran Farooq.
Azizabadi further revealed that the Bahadurabad group within the MQM-P was unhappy with Kamal due to what he described as his erratic behavior, saying Kamal only spoke when “his masters were pulling the strings”. “Mustafa Kamal is working on a program to bury the words MQM and Mohajir,” Azizabadi claimed.
Later, the leader of another MQM faction, Afaq Ahmed, also joined the controversy, lashing out at Mustafa Kamal and questioning the motive behind what he called a sudden and surprise press conference. “On whose instructions were you forced to use such harsh words against your former spiritual father, Altaf Hussain? » asked Afaq. He added: “Alas, the nation knows what your role was. Where were you on the day of the murder of Dr Imran Farooq?”
Interestingly, Mustafa Kamal suddenly arrived in Bahadurabad with his associates on Sunday after a lull of several months, but no MQM-Pakistan leader or worker welcomed him. MQM sources said the party leadership was aware of the Mustafa Kamal group’s press conference but had deliberately avoided meeting them.
Learn more: Mustafa Kamal accuses Altaf Hussain of ordering the murder of Imran Farooq
Dr Imran Farooq and his wife both breathed their last in London
Dr Imran Farooq’s wife Shumaila Farooq died in London on December 19. His body was taken to Karachi for burial. She reportedly suffered from throat cancer.
Shumaila’s wife, Dr Imran Farooq, was among the founding members of the MQM when it started as a student movement. He was widely considered the ideological architect of the party and played a key role in shaping its constitution, discipline and organizational structure.
He was assassinated on September 16, 2010 in London. Police said he was attacked outside his home on his way home from work. Two men attacked him with bricks and knives, killing him instantly.
Dr Farooq had moved to London in 1999 after a security force operation against the MQM following allegations of involvement in terrorist activities.
The murder attracted international attention and led to a lengthy investigation by Scotland Yard. Although several MQM members were subsequently convicted, allegations regarding the involvement of senior party leaders persist.
Trials and convictions
In 2020, an anti-terrorism court in Islamabad convicted three Pakistani nationals for the murder of Dr Imran Farooq. Khalid Shamim, Mohsin Ali and Moazzam Ali, all members of the MQM, were sentenced to life in prison. Each was also fined one million rupees, payable to Dr Farooq’s family.
British police shared evidence with Pakistani authorities after receiving assurances that the accused would not be sentenced to death.
The court also ordered the seizure of property belonging to four other suspects who are still at large. Subsequent investigations revealed that the suspects identified as Syed and Kamran had links with the MQM. Investigators said that reinforced the idea that the killing was politically motivated.
The death of Dr Farooq marked a turning point for the MQM. The party, which dominated Karachi politics for decades, later split into several factions amid leadership disputes and internal divisions.
