Pakistan registers terrorism case against MQM leader

Pakistani security forces on Tuesday registered a case against Mutahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) leader Altaf Hussain over his alleged threats, officials said.

Paramilitary forces said that Hussain had used threatening language against the security forces in a telephonic interview with a private TV channel last week, Xinhua reported.

Hussain, who lives in exile in London, made the remarks days after the paramilitary troops raided the MQM's headquarters in Karachi, arrested some suspects and recovered arms.

The paramilitary force, Pakistan Rangers, reported to the police that Altaf Hussain "threatened members of the paramilitary force" who were involved in the operation. Two convicted men were also captured during the raid, the Rangers said earlier. The case was registered by the Rangers spokesman, Col. Tahor.

Legal expert Zahid Bukhari said the charges under anti-terrorism act framed against the MQM leader carries life term, even harsh punishment.

Khalid Maqboo Siddiqi, a senior MQM leader, said the cases were not new for the party leaders as he had been also charged in the past.

Hussain had condemned the Rangers' raid on the party's headquarters and claimed that personnel of the paramilitary force brought the weapons and ammunition "wrapped in blankets" with them and then claimed the recovery to frame the party.

The police have formed a committee for investigation against Hussain.