Interpol refuses to issue red warrant against MQM founder

Pak wants him nailed for video hate speech inciting party workers to attack some media houses

Interpol has refused to issue a red warrant against Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) founder Altaf Hussain, saying it does not intervene in political and religious matters of a state.

According to senior official of the Interior Ministry Interpol had sought a clarification from the Pakistan government over the request for issuance of the red warrant against Hussain, besides asking for details of the sedition charges against him, reports the Dawn.

The official said the Interpol communication was being examined at the highest level and would be responded to over the next two weeks.

Interpol notices are issued to police in 190 different countries to help track fugitives and share information about wanted criminals.

There are eight types of notices, seven of which are colour-coded by their function: red, blue, green, yellow, black, orange and purple. The most well-known is the red notice which is the closest instrument to an international arrest warrant in use today. The eighth - special notice - is issued at the request of the United Nations Security Council.

The Federal Investigation Agency recently sent a written request to Interpol for issuance of the red warrant against the MQM founder living in self-exile in London.

The documents annexed with the request included a copy of the FIR registered against Hussain for delivering a hate speech on August 22 last year through a video link inciting the party workers on hunger strike outside the Karachi Press Club to attack some media houses, and documents pertaining to subsequent investigations into the matter, besides a court order declaring Hussain a fugitive.